Is antenatal syphilis screening still cost effective in sub-Saharan Africa.

Objectives: To estimate the cost effectiveness of on-site antenatal syphilis screening and treatment in Mwanza, Tanzania. To compare this intervention with other antenatal and child health interventions, specifically the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT).

Methods: The economic costs of adding the intervention to routine antenatal care were assessed.

Variations of HIV and STI prevalences within communities neighbouring new goldmines in Tanzania: importance for intervention design.

Objectives: To measure the prevalence of HIV and other STIs in communities neighbouring new large scale gold mines in northern Tanzania in order to inform the design of a targeted HIV/STI intervention programme.

Methods: Cross sectional surveys were conducted in adults aged 16-54 years from different sectors of communities neighbouring two newly opened, large scale gold mines near Lake Victoria. Mine workers, men, women, and female food and recreational facility workers (FRFW) from the community were randomly selected for interview and HIV and STI testing.

Syphilis in pregnancy in Tanzania. II. The effectiveness of antenatal syphilis screening and single-dose benzathine penicillin treatment for the prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Treatment for maternal syphilis with single-dose benzathine penicillin (2.4 million units intramuscularly) is being implemented in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. To examine the effectiveness of this regimen, a prospective cohort of 1688 pregnant women was recruited in Tanzania.

Syphilis in pregnancy in Tanzania. I. Impact of maternal syphilis on outcome of pregnancy.

To measure the impact of maternal syphilis on pregnancy outcome in the Mwanza Region of Tanzania, 380 previously unscreened pregnant women were recruited into a retrospective cohort at delivery and tested for syphilis. Stillbirth was observed in 18 (25%) of 73 women with high-titer active syphilis (i.e.

Incidence of HIV infection in stable sexual partnerships: a retrospective cohort study of 1802 couples in Mwanza Region, Tanzania.

Objective: To describe the dynamics of HIV transmission in stable sexual partnerships in rural Tanzania.

Design: Retrospective cohort study nested within community-randomized trial to investigate the impact of a sexually transmitted disease treatment program.

Methods: A cohort of 1802 couples was followed up for 2 years, with the HIV status of each couple assessed at baseline and follow-up.

Operational performance of an STD control programme in Mwanza Region, Tanzania.

Objectives: To describe important details of the design and operational features of the Mwanza sexually transmitted diseases (STD) control programme. To assess the feasibility of the intervention, the distribution of STD syndromes observed, the clinical effectiveness of syndromic STD case management, the utilisation of STD services by the population, and the quality of syndromic STD services delivered at rural health units.

Methods: The intervention was integrated into rural primary healthcare (PHC) units.

High prevalence of trichomoniasis in rural men in Mwanza, Tanzania: results from a population based study.

Objectives: To measure the prevalence of urethral infections including trichomoniasis in rural Tanzanian men, to assess the prevalence of symptoms and signs among men with Trichomonas vaginalis, and to analyse the risk factors for trichomoniasis.

Design: A cross sectional study of 1004 men aged 15-54 years in a rural community in north west Tanzania.

Methods: Participants were interviewed about sexual behaviour and symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases.