Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0019163 (hepatitis B)
 38,309 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Wisconsin Pharmacal's Female Health Company stated plans for the launch of the Reality female condom at a press conference in New York. The disposable polyurethane barrier contraceptive is a soft sheath that is open on one end and closed at the other. Reality began to appear on retail shelves in the US in August 1994, and it is available over the counter in all major drug store chains, many supermarket chains, independent pharmacies, and grocery stores. The company hopes to ultimately obtain about 2% of sexually active women as regular users, or about one million regular users on an annual basis. In 1993, male condom sales exceeded 700 million units. In late August 1994, the Female Health Company sent letters to 65,000 pharmacies and 50,000 physicians announcing the availability of Reality in retail outlets. A professional sales force of more than 60 people began presenting Reality to more than 10,000 selected high-potential U.S. physicians and other health care professionals. Before FDA approval, a six-month contraceptive study found that when used consistently and correctly, Reality's pregnancy failure rate was 2.6%; the typical failure rate was 12.4%. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that Reality's polyurethane sheath is an effective barrier to HIV and to a viral particle smaller than hepatitis B. One limited STD clinical study found that the reinfection rate of trichomoniasis was 0% when the female condom was used consistently and 14.7% when it was not used with every sex act. One study will measure Reality's effectiveness as a barrier to gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis, and another study will explore what method of protection women will use when given a choice. An ongoing study at the University of Alabama at Birmingham's School of Public Health is looking at Reality's efficacy at preventing gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes simplex-2, compared with the male condom.
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PMID:Condom campaign heralds arrival of weapon against AIDS. 1228 15

This article, intended for use by practitioners in India, summarizes the US Centers for Disease Control's recommendations for the management of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The STDs presented are chancroid, genital herpes, granuloma inguinale, lymphogranuloma venereum, syphilis, urethritis, chlamydia, gonococcal infection, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, pelvic inflammatory disease, epididymitis, human papillomavirus infection, warts, hepatitis B, and ectoparasitic infections. For each STD, information is provided on treatment, follow up, and special circumstances such as pregnancy and concomitant HIV infection.
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PMID:1998 management recommendations for sexually transmitted diseases. 1229 52

At present, about 250 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) occur in the world each year. This statistics includes 120 million cases of trichomoniasis, 50 million cases of chlamydia, 30 million cases of genital warts, 25 million gonorrhea cases, 20 million cases of genital herpes, 3.5 million syphilis cases, 2.5 million case of hepatitis B virus, 2 million cases of chancroid, and 1 million infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Among the adverse health sequelae the STDs are sterility, infertility, stillbirth, miscarriage, blindness, brain damage, and cancer. The greatest incidence of STDs is in the 20-24-year age group, followed by persons 15-19 years of age. The finding that lesions caused by some STDs can increase the risk of HIV infection by more than 300% has led governments concerned with control of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) to take a more aggressive stance toward the prevention and treatment of STDs. There are many obstacles to STD prevention, however, including the development of treatment-resistant strains, inadequate infrastructure for diagnostic testing and penicillin treatment, resistance to changing sexual behavior, increased travel and migration, and the practice of exchanging sex for drugs. Even in some developed countries where the rate of STD infection has finally stabilized, the level remains unacceptably high and STDs cannot be considered as under control. In developing countries, STDs have reached epidemic levels and the number of new infections reported annually shows a pattern of steady increase. The World Health Organization is urging governments to intensify STD prevention activities through funding research, health education, and more accessible clinic services.
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PMID:Sexually transmitted infections increasing -- 250 million new infections annually. 1231 65

Family Health International (FHI) staff arranged for a workshop on contraceptive facts and fallacies within 48 hours for the 10-day meeting of the Nongovernmental Organization (NGO) Forum in Cairo, Egypt. Since policy and advocacy groups affect family planning service delivery and are often misinformed, the quality of client services is impaired. This workshop would allow NGO Forum participants to receive basic information on contraception and to correct any misinformation. FHI hoped that the workshop would stimulate dialogue among scientists, women's groups, and policymakers. Panel speakers were a deputy assistant secretary for population affairs with the US Department of Health and Human Services, an obstetrics-gynecology (OB-GYN) professor at Emory University in Atlanta, who was also a member of FHI's Board of Directors, and a native Indian, now practicing OB-GYN in the US, who was a former medical director at FHI. FHI senior vice president for reproductive health programs moderated the panel. The panel addressed the following myths: male condoms fail often and condom use increases the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), natural family planning (NFP) does not prevent pregnancy, oral contraceptives (OCs) cause cancer, spermicides increase the risk of acquiring AIDS and STDs. The panel provided the following facts: Condom breakage and slippage occurs in 0-12% of acts of intercourse. Education on proper use of condoms can reduce the likelihood of condom failure. If used correctly, NFP is 98% effective. OCs protect against ovarian and endometrial cancers. We still do not know whether or not they contribute to cervical cancer development. A study has found an association between OCs and a form of liver cancer common in developing countries (due to a high prevalence of hepatitis B infection). Spermicide use reduces the risk of bacterial STDs (e.g., gonorrhea and chlamydia), but it is not yet clear whether it affects the risk of viral STDs (e.g., HIV).
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PMID:Confronting myths with science. 1231 46

Incidence of HIV and of several other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) was determined in 171 female prostitutes from 3 sites in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The sites were selected by high incidence of penicillinase-producing N. gonorrhoeae in clients of prostitutes. These women came from about a dozen different countries, mostly Latin American. 14% reported they always used condoms. Specimens were taken of blood, endocervix, cervix, rectum and oropharynx, and tested for HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, hepatitis B and cytomegalovirus. 18% harbored gonorrhea, of which 13% were penicillinase positive. Syphilis occurred in 8%. Chlamydia was the most prevalent infection, in 47% of subjects. Serological evidence of hepatitis B was apparent in 53%, and of cytomegalovirus in 99%. HIV status was tested after unlinking identifying information from 80 serum samples, and 16% were confirmed HIV positive. Women from the site frequented by more street walkers than bar girls had a higher incidence of hepatitis B, and were known to be more frequent users of IV drugs. These data confirm observations made elsewhere that HIV infection may coexist with other STDs.
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PMID:Interactions of HIV and STDs in a group of female prostitutes. 1234 95

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have shown a considerable resurgence in recent years both in number of cases and in spread of new infectious agents. The spread of STDs is favored by numerous factors including the liberalization of sexual behavior made possible by reliable contraception. Information on STDs has not been widely diffused. Changes in the status of women and the development of means of communication and transportation have encouraged less rigid control of sexual behavior. STDs themselves have often escaped diagnosis or not been cured despite treatment, increasing the risk of spread. Numerous organisms cause STDs, from external parasites to life-threatening viruses. 60% of upper genital tract infections that can lead to sterility, tubal alterations, ectopic pregnancy and pain result from STDs. Chlamydia infections are insidious and chronic, and cause greater damage with each recurrence. The risk of STDs should be considered in contraceptive choice along with other indications and contraindications. Combined oral contraceptives provide protection against acute upper genital tract infections. The protective role has been explained by scanty and highly viscous cervical mucus forming a barrier against germs and by reductions of menstrual flow, myometrial activity, and inflammation. It is actually uncertain whether combined oral contraceptives protect against latent chlamydia infections, since higher rates of cervicitis caused by chlamydia have been found in pill users. In situations carrying risk of STDs, pill users should be protected by a supplementary barrier method. IUDs have been implicated in numerous studies in acute pelvic infections. Possible explanations are the local trauma and inflammations due to the physical presence of the IUD, more abundant bleeding, absence of a cervical barrier to motile sperm that could be a vector for germs, and possible ascent of the infectious agent on the string. Other risk factors are involved. Epidemiologic studies indicate that the spermicides benzalkonium chloride and nonoxynol 9 have a protective effect against gonococcus, trichomonas, and chlamydia as well as cervical cancer. The protection is not absolute and is associated with the use of barrier methods. Condoms provide an excellent barrier against gonorrhea, chlamydia, cytomegalovirus, herpes, hepatitis B, and HIV infection. Use of spermicides may increase protection even more.
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PMID:[Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and contraception]. 1234 83

Much attention has recently been given to the serious health implications of AIDS, hepatitis B infection and the human papillomavirus. In spite of these, syphilis/gonorrhea are still the most common of the "old" sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and syphilis is, with the exception of AIDS, the STD with potentially the most destructive sequelae. Recent observations indicate that syphilis may be an important cofactor in facilitating transmission of HIV. A history of syphilis or a positive serologic test for syphilis is associated with HIV seropositivity in men. Although the incidence of syphilis in the UK is 1 of the lowest in the world, syphilis is increased in most countries. In several areas of the US there has been a dramatic increase in the prevalence of syphilis and in some first-world areas congenital syphilis is now considered epidemic. Syphilis is considerably more common in Africa than in Europe/US. Syphilis is also prevalent in most developing countries. The worldwide resurgence of syphilis has a serious implication on neonatal morbidity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of syphilis in men attending and infertility clinic. Blood samples from 782 males were screened using the titrated RPR/TPHA tests. If either of these tests was positive, FTA-Abs IgG was performed. The RPR was positive in 63 (8%) cases. In 24 (3%) patients the titer was or= 1/8 with positive TPHA and FTA-Abs IgG tests and these were regarded as current infections. 39 (5%) cases had RPR titers 1/8 with positive specific tests (Table 1). These were probably patients either treated inadequately, or in the early stage of primary syphilis. In addition 92 (2%) patients were RPR negative but TPHA and FTA positive. This was evidence of previous exposure to syphilis. The overall seropositivity in this group was 20% (155 cases). 627 (80%) tested negative with RPR and TPHA. Syphilis may still have a major impact on health in Southern Africa. Since syphilis is significantly associated with HIV seropositivity, efforts to prevent and control syphilis may also be important in limiting HIV spread. The 3-8% incidence of active disease among an asymptomatic group of men, referred for evaluation of infertility underlines the statement that "serologic screening should be done at the least indication". A community-based program with continuous adequate screening and treatment would be of great help. While the absolute yield for such screening may be low, the potential for reducing the morbidity and mortality of congenital syphilis is great. (full text)
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PMID:Syphilis serology in men at an andrology clinic in South Africa. 1234 7

The recommended work up for diagnosis of STDs in injection drug users is presented in the box. Diagnostic work up for sexually transmitted disease in injection drug users Asymptomatic patients-screening work up Serology VDRL, HIV antibody, hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C antibodies AND Endocervical specimen Gonococcal culture, gonococcal DNA detection (probe) OR Amplification (PCR), chlamydial DNA detection or amplification OR Urine specimen-gonococcal and chlamydial DNA amplification (PCR) AND Vaginal specimen pH, clue cells, Trichomonas Endourethral specimen Gonococcal DNA amplification, chlamydial DNA amplification OR Urine specimen-gonococcal and chlamydial amplification Symptomatic patients-diagnostic work up All the above AND Genital ulcers Dark-field microscopy, Herpes simplex virus-DNA detection or culture, and, depending on geographic risk factors, Gram's stain for Hemophilus duceryl Exophytic lesions Clinical diagnosis of genital warts, skin biopsy if treatment fails VDRL, Venereal Disease Research Laboratory; PCR, polymerase chain reaction.
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PMID:Sexually transmitted diseases in injection drug users. 1237 Nov 26

Based upon a literature search, but also considering the situation in Denmark, guidelines for examination, prophylactic treatment and follow-up of female victims of sexual assault have been prepared. A pragmatic attitude, looking upon the victim's situation and fear of having acquired a sexually transmitted infection, has been prevailing in order to avoid unnecessary examinations and treatments. The guidelines are directed towards female victims in whom the assault has included vaginal, oral, and/or anal penetration or attempt of penetration. It is concluded that all victims should be screened for and offered prophylactic treatment for chlamydia. Screening for gonorrhea initially and at follow-up is recommended but treatment only if an infection has been established. All victims should be screened for hepatitis B initially and again after three months and vaccination offered if any information indicates that the assailant has an increased risk of hepatitis B. All victims should be screened for HIV initially and again after one and three months. In single cases antiviral HIV prophylaxis must be considered.
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PMID:[Sexually transmitted infections and sexual violence against women. Guidelines for examination, prophylactic treatment and follow-up]. 1259 52

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published updated guidelines that provide new strategies for the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Patient education is the first important step in reducing the number of persons who engage in risky sexual behaviors. Information on STD prevention should be individualized on the basis of the patient's stage of development and understanding of sexual issues. Other preventive strategies include administering the hepatitis B vaccine series to unimmunized patients who present for STD evaluation and administering hepatitis A vaccine to illegal drug users and men who have sex with men. The CDC recommends against using any form of nonoxynol 9 for STD prevention. New treatment strategies include avoiding the use of quinolone therapy in patients who contract gonorrhea in California or Hawaii. Testing for cure is not necessary if chlamydial infection is treated with a first-line antibiotic (azithromycin or doxycycline). However, all women should be retested three to four months after treatment for chlamydial infection, because of the high incidence of reinfection. Testing for herpes simplex virus serotype is advised in patients with genital infection, because recurrent infection is less likely with the type 1 serotype than with the type 2 serotype. The CDC guidelines also include new information on the treatment of diseases characterized by vaginal discharge.
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PMID:Update on the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. 1275 53


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