Identifying a consensus sample type to test for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Trichomonas vaginalis and human papillomavirus.

Objectives: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a global cause of acute illness. Early detection plays a crucial role in interrupting transmission and preventing complications. However, the accessibility of STI testing is curbed by the lack of an overall preferred sample type.

Are vaginal swabs comparable to cervical smears for human papillomavirus DNA testing?

Objective: Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is widely incorporated into cervical cancer screening strategies. Current screening requires pelvic examination for cervical sampling, which may compromise participation. The acceptance could be raised by introducing testing on vaginal swabs.

Macrolide resistance in Mycoplasma genitalium from female sex workers in Belgium.

Objectives: Mycoplasma genitalium is emerging as an aetiological agent of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Although M. genitalium is commonly treated with azithromycin, macrolide resistance associated with point mutations in the 23S rRNA gene is emerging.

Evaluation of Copan FLOQSwab for the molecular detection of Chlamydia trachomatis by Abbott RealTime CT PCR.

Objectives: We evaluated Copan FLOQSwabs next to Abbott swabs for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) by Abbott RealTime PCR.

Methods: We collected 1062 paired swabs from female sex workers. The study was divided in two arms, according to the order of swab collection.

Chlamydia trachomatis in female sex workers in Belgium: 1998-2003.

Objective: We analysed the results of a 6 year screening period for Chlamydia trachomatis in a group of female sex workers (FSW) of all ages in Ghent, Belgium.

Methods: They were tested in the context of an outreach health programme for sex workers. C trachomatis was tested by Cobas Amplicor CT/NG PCR.

Hepatitis B vaccination for sex workers: do outreach programmes perform better?

Objectives: To assess to what extent hepatitis B vaccination of sex workers in Ghent, Belgium, is successful within the context of the existing health services and to compare this with alternative approaches such as outreach programmes; to compare two hepatitis B vaccination schemes in the outreach programme for sex workers.

Methods: Testing all first contacts (n = 1096) in the outreach programme for hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers assessed success of hepatitis B vaccination in routine services. The performance of the outreach service was measured by counting the number of sex workers who started hepatitis B vaccination in the programme.