Symposium program
MONDAY 11 JULY 2011
10:30 – 12:00
Symposium 1 - Measurement of sensitive behaviour
Co-chairs:
Geoff Garnett, Imperial College, London, UK
Benoit Mâsse, Fred Hutchinson CRC, USA & Université de Montréal, Canada

Synopsis

Understanding and measuring high-risk behaviours and adherence to intervention is important to understand HIV/STI epidemiology and to design and evaluate interventions. However, the measurement of these behaviours is often challenging due to the sensitive nature of the questions, social desirability bias, recall bias, denial, the limits of our measurement tools and others. Much research has been done in recent years to improve the measurement of sensitive behaviours. This symposium aims to review and discuss the most recent methods used to collect, improve and validate these measurements in surveys and clinical trials. It will also include discussions on how biological or pharmacological markers can be used to measure and validate these behaviours more objectively. The symposium should generate an overall discussion of priorities and efforts required to improve the measurement of sensitive behaviours, the level of improvement that can realistically be expected with better tools, given the different sources of biases, and what level of precision and accuracy is really needed in different contexts.

Presentations

Improving the validity of sexual behaviour measurement: using computer assisted methods
Frances M Cowan, University College London, UK & University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences (Zimbabwe)

Applying Semen Biomarkers to HIV/STI Research
Maria F. Gallo, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta, USA)

Measurement of adherence: where are we?
Ariane Van der Straten, University of California (San Francisco, USA)

Pharmacological assessment of medication adherence – Oral PrEP and Microbicides

C. Hendrix, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (Baltimore, USA)


10:30 – 12:00
Symposium 2 - Rapid Tests as Tools to Transform Policy, strengthen Health Systems and Save Lives (sponsored by WHO/TDR and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine)
Co-chairs:
King Holmes, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
David Mabey, London School of Health and Tropical Medicine, London, UK

Synopsis

Affordable rapid point-of-care (POC) tests are available to support STI screening and syndromic management.  This symposium will feature presentations on the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of introducing rapid tests into syphilis screening programmes for prenatal and high risk populations in vastly different health infrastructures, economic levels, and geographic locations.  New POC technologies on the horizon will be previewed, followed by a panel discussion on how to use rapid tests to transform policy, overcome health system constraints and save lives in the developing world.

Presentations

Introduction of Rapid Syphilis Tests in Antenatal Care Services in Tanzania: Clients’ and Service Providers' Acceptability and Uptake of Testing
Jacklin Mosha1, John Changalucha, Julius Mngara, Clemens Masesa,  Leocardia Kabalila, Engiribeta Makaranga, Kimberly Sollis, Saidi Kapiga,  David Mabey, Rosanna Peeling;
(1) National Institute for Medical Research (Mwanza, Tanzania)

Increasing Access to HIV and Syphilis Screening in Remote Areas using Rapid Tests
Adele Benzaken1, Valdir Monteiro Pinto, Carlos Henrique Carvalho, Rosanna Peeling;
(1) Fundacao Alfredo da Matta (Manaus, Brasil);

Screening High Risk Populations using Rapid Syphilis Tests: The Importance of Social and Cultural Contexts
Xiang-Sheng Chen1, Yue-Ping Yin, Wan-Hui Wei, Rosanna Peeling;
(1) National Center for STD Control, China CDC (Nanjing, China);

New Technologies to Support STI Screening and Syndromic Management in Resource-limited Settings
Rosanna Peeling, London School of Health and Tropical Medicine, London, UK


14:45 – 16:15
Symposium 3 - Evaluation of large-scale and complex public health interventions
Co-chairs:
Lalit Dandona, Public Health Foundation of India, India
Nancy Padian, Pangaea Global AIDS Foundation, Oakland, California, USA

Synopsis
In the world of public health, increasing attention is being placed on the evaluation of the population-level impact of large-scale HIV/STI interventions in order to inform policy makers. The evaluation of such intervention is challenging and often precludes the use of community based randomised control trials (C-RCT) (considered as gold standard) because most individuals in the population simultaneously receive the intervention. In addition, as C-RCT are difficult to conduct and their results often difficult to interpret, their usefulness has also been challenged.  Current research is being done to improve impact evaluation studies, outside the context of randomised experiments, that would provide the strength of evidence required for decision making in a timely fashion. This symposium includes an introduction that will summarise the challenges and key issues in the evaluation of public health interventions. The talks will present current thinking on the role of C-RCT,  transmission dynamics models, and multi-level strategies to evaluate public health intervention. The symposium will also include a discussion on the type and level of evidence that is required for implementation and scaling up of intervention. The symposium aims to generate discussion on the way forward and research gaps on intervention evaluation in order to provide reliable and objective results for public health decision making.

Presentations

Challenges and key issues in evaluation of public health interventions
Lalit Dandona, Public Health Foundation of India (India)

The Role of Community Based Randomized Trials in the Evaluation of Public Health Interventions
Allan Donner, University of Western Ontario (Canada)
    
Use of transmission dynamics models to design and evaluate the impact of large scale HIV/STI prevention intervention: how, why and when?

Marie-Claude Boily, Imperial College (London, UK)

Multi-level strategies to evaluate the impact of HIV prevention programmes in Zimbabwe
Dr. Simon Gregson, Imperial College (London, UK)

Scaling up novel biomedical HIV prevention strategies: evidence for action
Catherine Hankins, UNAIDS (Geneva, Switzerland)


14:45 – 16:15
Symposium 4 - Speeding up Elimination of Congenital Syphilis with Rapid Syphilis Testing: Progress and Challenges (sponsored by WHO)
Co-chairs:
Francis Ndowa, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
Rosanna Peeling, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, England

Synopsis
This session reviews progress and challenges for the global elimination of congenital syphilis initiative, focusing on the role of rapid point-of-care syphilis testing. The first speaker will present updated regional and global estimates of maternal syphilis and associated data limitations. The next speakers will summarize data from Uganda, Zambia, and Peru from the multisite study of impact of rapid syphilis testing on prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV and antenatal care services (the Accessible Quality-assured Diagnostic Tests for STI Project).  Finally, speakers will review progress in development of dual non-treponemal and treponemal rapid syphilis tests and discuss global progress and challenges with maternal syphilis testing.

Presentations

Challenges in Global Estimates of Syphilis in Pregnancy
Lori Newman1, Sarah Hawkes, Mary Kamb, Igor Toskin, Lale Say, Nathalie Broutet;
(1) World Health Organization (WHO) (Geneva, Switzerland);

Introduction of Rapid Syphilis Testing Strengthens Health Systems and Health Worker Capacity to Provide Integrated PMTCT Services
Susan Strasser1, Namwinga Chintu, Tabitha Sripipatana, Katherine Shelley, Othiniel Musana, Anne Phiri, Alexander Tshaka Ncube, Michelle Gill, Heather Hoffman, Edward Bitarakwate;
(1) Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) (Lusaka, Zambia)

Implementation of rapid tests for prenatal syphilis screening: overcoming health system constraints
Garcia PJ1, Peeling R, Mabey D, Holmes KK, The CISNE team (Spanish word for SWAN);
(1) Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (Lima, Peru) 

Progress in development of dual rapid syphilis test technology
Dr. David L. Cox, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta, USA)
 
Maternal syphilis testing and treatment to improve maternal and child health services: progress and challenges
Mary Kamb, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta, USA)


14:45 – 16:15
Symposium 5 - Unsolved Challenges in Women’s Sexual and Genital Health
Co-chairs:
Janet Wilson, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
Catriona Bradshaw, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne, Australia

Synopsis

While scientific advances have enhanced prevention and management of several STIs that adversely affect women, other areas relevant to women's genital health remain poorly understood. This symposium will provide state-of-the-art overviews of persistently challenging issues, including recognition and management of non-Trichomonas, non-BV vaginitis; current understanding of vaginal microbiota and contribution to health and disease; new information on pelvic inflammatory disease and implications at public health and individual levels; and evidence supporting rescreening for chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Presentations

The Other Vaginitides: Update on DIV and Refractory Candida Vaginitis

Jack D Sobel, Wayne State University School of Medicine (Detroit, USA)

Action Heroes or Casual Observers: Vaginal Microflora and STI/HIV Risk
Dr. Sharon Hillier, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (Pittsburg, USA)

New data on Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Implications for screening and management

Professor Jonathan Ross, British Association for Sexual Health and HIV – BASHH (London, UK)

Identifying Knowledge Gaps in the Evidence Base for Repeat Screening of Women with Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: Challenges to Public Health Action

Dr. Kyle Bernstein, San Francisco Department of Public Health (San Francisco, USA)



TUESDAY 12 JULY 2011
10:30 – 12:00
Symposium 6 - Updates and perspectives on STI and HIV issues among MSM
Co-chairs:
Gilles Lambert, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montréal, Canada
Robert Remis, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

Synopsis

This symposium will focus on the current epidemiology of Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Infections (STBBI) among men who have sex with men. Particular attention will be paid to reemerging STBBI and to the dynamics of coinfection. The symposium will also focus on the evolution of MSM sexual behaviours over the past few years,  among seronegative and seropositive MSM living  in low / moderate income countries as well as in developed countries. A review of effective behavioural interventions and of the contribution of antiretroviral chemoprophylaxis in HIV prevention will also be on the agenda.

Presentations

Evolution of the Epidemiology among MSM in low and moderate income countries
Jorge Sanchez, University of Washington, USA and IMPACTA (Lima, Peru)

Dangerous Liaisons – Risk in MSM in Developed Countries

Graham J Hart, University College (London, UK)
 
Behavioral interventions among MSM: where do we go from here?
Matthew R. Golden, Harborview Medical Center Madison Clinic (Seattle, USA)

Antiretroviral chemoprophylaxis: New opportunities and new challenges
Kenneth H. Mayer, Harvard University's School of Public Health (Boston, USA)


10:30 – 12:00
Symposium 7 - In the quest for HIV prevention Scale up: Avahan’s India experience. Program Approaches and Emerging Evaluation Results
Co-chairs:
Gina Dallabetta, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Washington DC, USA
Somesh Gupta, India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India

Synopsis

Avahan, in partnership with the Government of India, provides HIV prevention services to 220,000 sex workers, 80,000 high risk men who have sex with men and transgenders in four states in south India and two in the north-east.  This session will (1) provide details on program approach to achieve scale and coverage with outreach and clinical services; (2) describe approaches to foster wide spread social norm and behavior change, improved health-seeking behavior and enhance the enabling environment; (3) present estimates of the impact of these interventions among high risk groups and the general population; and (4) provide costs and cost-effectiveness.

Presentations

Achieving high coverage of HIV prevention services for MARPs: Avahan’s experience in six states in India
Sameer Kumta, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Washington DC, USA)

Measurement and Community Mobilization Do Not Have to be Mutually Exclusive: Preliminary Analysis from a Scaled Programme
Tisha Wheeler, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Washington DC, USA)

Impact of the Avahan intervention on HIV/STI transmission amongst high and low-risk groups: An interim modelling assessment
Peter Vickerman1, Michael Pickles, Catherine M Lowndes, BM Ramesh, Reynold Washington, Stephen Moses, Kathleen Deering, Sushena Reza-Paul, Anna Vassall, Janet Bradley, James Blanchard, Michel Alary, Marie-Claude Boily;
(1) Imperial College (London, UK);

Cost-effectiveness of targeted HIV preventions for female sex workers: an economic evaluation of the Avahan programme in southern India
Sudhashree CHANDRASHKAR 1, Anna VASSALL, Lorna GUINNESS, Michael PICKLES, Bhaskar REDDY, Govindraj SHETTY, Marie Claude BOILY, Kathy LOWNDES,  Michel ALARY, Peter VICKERMAN;
 (1) London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (London, UK);


10:30 – 12:00
Symposium 8 - The Global Public Health Challenge of Untreatable Multidrug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae (MDR-GC) “Superbug” (sponsored by Public Health Agency of Canada)
Co-chairs:
Barbara Romanowski, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
Stephanie Totten, Public Health Agency of Canada, NCR, Canada

Synopsis

A confluence of factors, including the use of antibiotics, microbiological, behavioural as well as global traffic, has resulted in the rapid spread of gonorrhea antimicrobial resistance (AMR), compromising effective treatment and disease control efforts. Resistance to antibiotics such as penicillin, tetracycline and flouroquinolones have long been established. Of increasing concern, however, is the detection of gonorrhea treatment failures and the reducing susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to azithromycin and the 3rd generation cephalosporins. Increased resistance to the last line of currently available treatment raises the issue of whether gonorrhea will be treatable in the future.

This symposium will bring together international experts to contribute to the global response to the emergence of untreatable MDR-GC.  The objectives are to:
  1. Discuss early warning mechanisms to mitigate the global spread of untreatable MDR-GC;
  2. Explore the treatment options for MDR-GC; and 
  3. Examine challenges and opportunities for an enhanced and coordinated global response in the area of surveillance, research, training, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of MDR-GC.

Presentations

Lessons learned from global HIV drug resistance initiative: implications for MDR-GC
Dr. Donald Sutherland, Global Public Health (Ottawa, Canada)

Laboratory harmonization and quality-assurance issues: challenges and opportunities
Catherine Ison, Health Protection Agency Centre (London, United Kingdom)

Research and training needs
Jo-Ann Dillon, University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon, Canada)

Synergy: public health, clinicians, laboratories and management guidelines
Irene Martin and Thomas Wong; Public Health Agency of Canada (Ottawa, Canada)

Global action plan to combat antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae: challenges and opportunities

Francis Jim Ndowa, World Health Organization (Geneva, Switzerland)


14:45 – 16:15
Symposium 9 - Applications of Program Science in the Field of STI
Co-chairs:
Sevgi Aral, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
James Blanchard, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada

Synopsis

This symposium focuses on a scientific approach to the planning, design, implementation, evaluation and continuous improvement of STD and HIV prevention programs. At a time when prevention efforts are faced with declining resources it is imperative that prevention programs  maximize their  return on investment, and population level impact. Program Science helps facilitate the achievement of these goals through science based strategic planning, strategic targeting and choice of intervention packages most appropriate for specific epidemiologic contexts.

Presentations

The role of mathematical models in planning and evaluating programmes

Geoff Garnett, Imperial College (London, UK)

Monitoring and Evaluation: linking programming and research
Anna Vassall, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (London, UK)

The programme science of scale – the Avahan experience
Aparajita RamaKrishnan, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (India)

International AIDS policy choices for a changing financing landscape
David Wilson, World Bank (Washington, DC, USA)

Rapporteur
Caroline Ryan, Office of US Global AIDS Coordinator (Washington, USA)


14:45 – 16:15
Symposium 10 - Strategic Approaches for Addressing Sexual Health: Lessons. Challenges and Opportunities (sponsored by the CDC)
Co-chairs:
Kevin Fenton, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
Angela Robinson, Camden Provider Services (CNWL) and UCL, London, UK

Synopsis

Public health disciplines related to sexual behavior may benefit by identifying common parameters of health related to sexuality and promoting an overarching framework of sexual health. This symposium will bring together leaders from several nations and international health organizations that have developed approaches to advancing a sexual health framework to complement historical vertical disease prevention programs. The objectives are to:
1. Compare and contrast models used to address sexual health in selected nations.
2. Discuss and understand experiences of international organizations in promoting regional approaches
3. Share experiences including lessons learned, ongoing challenges, and potential opportunities to improve sexual health.

Presentations

Addressing Sexual Health in Canada
Lisa Smylie and Barbara Clarke, Public Health Agency of Canada (Ottawa, Canada)

Developing and Implementing a Public Health Approach to Improve Sexual Health in the U.S.
John Douglas and Kevin Fenton, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta, USA)

Sexual Health in MSM – Coordination and Agenda Setting in Europe

Marita Van de Laar, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (Stockholm, Sweden)

Sexual Health and Public Policy in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)
Rafael Mazin, Pan American Health Organization/Regional Office of the World Health Organization for the Americas (Washington DC, USA)


14:45 – 16:15
Symposium 11 - Controversies in Serologic Testing for Syphilis (sponsored by the CDC)
Co-chairs:
Brad Stoner, Washington University Medical School, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Karen Hoover, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA

Synopsis

The public health agencies of Canada, Europe, and the United States each have published guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections.  Recommendations for serologic testing for syphilis differ markedly among them.  For example, the U.S. guidelines recommend screening with a nontreponemal test and confirming reactive nontreponemal tests with a treponemal test.  In contrast, the European guidelines recommend screening with a treponemal test and confirming reactive treponemal tests with a second, different treponemal test, and testing serologic activity with a quantitative nontreponemal test if the confirmatory test is reactive.  The Canadian guidelines provide recommendations for the use of both nontreponemal and treponemal testing algorithms.
The proposed symposium will address some of the controversies involved in the selection of a syphilis screening algorithm, and will propose a research agenda to provide the evidence needed to generate more refined guidance for the use of treponemal tests for syphilis screening. 

Presentations

Problems encountered with reverse sequence syphilis screening

Karen W. Hoover, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta, USA)

Which algorithm performs better, screening with a nontreponemal or treponemal test?
Claude Fortin, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) (Montréal, Canada)

Performing a treponemal test to confirm a reactive EIA test: before or after the non-treponemal test?
Catherine Ison, Health Protection Agency (London UK)

Serological screening for syphilis: research needs
Sheila A. Lukehart, University of Washington (Seattle, USA)


WEDNESDAY 13 JULY 2011
10:30 – 12:00
Symposium 12 - Current Topics on Human Papillomavirus
Co-chairs:
Max Chernesky, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
François Coutlée, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada

Synopsis

Enormous advances have been made in our understanding of HPV and in the development of HPV care and prevention methods. However, a significant barrier that we now face in realizing the full benefits of these advances is the lack of awareness and the persistence of inaccurate information. The aim of this symposium is to provide health professionals with a current, balanced, clinically relevant and evidence-based summary of the essential HPV knowledge that is required to provide proper care, treatment, and counseling as well as apply efficiently preventive measures.

Presentations

Transmission of Human Papillomavirus Infections
Burchell AN1, Coutlée F, Tellier P, Hanley J, Franco EL;
(1) Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University (Montreal, Canada);

Screening for cervical cancer in the era of HPV vaccination
Eduardo L. Franco , McGill University (Montreal, Canada)

What is the latest data from the 2 commercially available prophylactic cervical cancer vaccines?
Suzanne Garland, Royal Women's hospital (Victoria, Australia)

Genital warts: prevention, diagnosis, treatment and counseling
Marc Steben,  Institut national de santé publique du Québec (Montréal, Canada)


10:30 – 12:00
Symposium 13 - Respondent Driven Sampling: where we are and where should we be going?
Co-Chairs:
Richard White, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
David Wilson, World Bank Group, Washington DC, USA

Synopsis

RDS is a variant of snowball sampling that is primarily used to estimate the characteristics of hard-to-reach groups, such as the HIV prevalence of drug users. RDS has quickly become popular, because of rapid recruitment and the potential of unbiased estimation.  However, RDS is not without its critics. If estimates are biased or variance high, RDS will be less useful. This symposium asks what should RDS be used for? It reports on two robust evaluations of RDS and its most high-profile application - monitoring HIV behaviours among IDUs in the US by CDC.  It will end with a discussion including the hot topics for RDS research.

Presentations

Respondent Driven Sampling: Uses, Assumptions, Limits and Prospects
Simon Frost, University of Cambridge (Cambridge, UK)

Assessing Respondent-Driven Sampling
Sharad GOEL,  Yahoo Research (New-York, USA)

An empirical evaluation of Respondent-Driven Sampling
White, RG1,  Frost, S, McCreesh, N, Seeley, J, Katongole, J, Ndagire Tarsh, M, Ndungutse, R, Jichi, F, Maher, D, Sonnenberg, P, Copas, A, Hayes, RJ,;
(1) London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK;

Use of respondent-driven sampling for monitoring HIV behaviors among injecting drug users in the United States
Amy Lansky1, Elizabeth A. DiNenno, Cyprian Wejnert;
(1) Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta, USA)
 

10:30 – 12:00
Late Breaker Symposium - Questioning Azithromycin for Uncomplicated Genital Chlamydial Infection
Co-chairs:
H. Hunter Handsfield, MD, University of Washington Center for AIDS and STD and Battelle Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation, Seattle, Washington, USA
Dr. Janet Wilson MB ChB, FRCP, Centre for Sexual Health, The General Infirmary at Leeds, Leeds, UK

Synopsis

The results of recent studies question the efficacy of single-dose azithromycin for uncomplicated genital chlamydial infection. The available data, controversies, possible interim treatment recommendations, and potential research agendas will be addressed, with ample opportunity for audience participation.

Presentations

Biological and Molecular Aspects of Chlamydia trachomatis Antimicrobial Resistance and Persistence
Patrick Horner, University of Bristol and University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (Bristol, UK)

Efficacy of Azithromycin for Uncomplicated Chlamydial Infection:  Early Studies and New Doubts
H. Hunter Handsfield, University of Washington Center for AIDS and STD (Seattle, USA)

Chlamydia trachomatis Treatment Efficacy: Review of Treatment Studies in the Nucleic Acid Amplification Era
William M. Geisler, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Birmingham, USA)

Panel Discussion (with audience participation):  Research Agenda and Interim Recommendations:  Where Do We Go from Here?

Panelists

Dr. Horner
Dr. Handsfield
Dr. Geisler
Kimberly Workowski, MD [TBC], Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

13:30 – 15:00
Symposium 14 - Research in Progress: Updates from American STD Association Developmental Award Recipients
Co-chairs:
Jeanne Marrazzo, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
Kees Rietmeijer, University of Colorado, Denver, USA

Synopsis

This symposium will highlight contributions from recipients of Career Development Awards from the American Sexually Transmitted Disease Association (ASTDA). The ASTDA started funding promising young investigators with these 2-year awards through a competitive process in 2008. In this session, recipients from the program's first 3 years of funding will discuss preliminary findings from their work. This session is intended to highlight the value of and need for promoting the entry of junior researchers into the field STD field.

Presentations

Genital and Oral Human Papillomavirus in Adolescent Males
Bree A. Weaver1, Darron Brown, J.Dennis Fortenberry;
(1) Indiana University School of Medicine (Indianapolis, USA)

A study of African American and Latina Women and Human Papillomavirus: Lessons Learned
Loida Bonney1, Michael Fost, Yun F. Wang, Victoria L. Green, Gina Wingood, Carlos del Rio, Richard Rothenberg;
(1) Emory University School of Medicine;

Evaluating the Internet as an STD Risk Environment for Teens: Findings from the Communication, Health, and Teens (CH@T) Study
Buhi ER1, Klinkenberger N, Blunt H, Daley EM, Baldwin J, Rietmeijer C;
(1) University of South Florida, College of Public Health (Tampa, USA);

Detecting Chlamydial and Gonococcal Infections through Social and Sexual Networks
AA Al-Tayyib1, CA Rietmeijer;
(1) Denver Public Health (Denver, USA);

Treponema pallidum Sigma24 Regulon and Envelope Stress Response
Lorenzo Giacani1, Oleg Denisenko, Martin Tompa, Barbara Molini, Arturo Centurion-Lara;
(1) University of Washington (Seattle, USA)
 
Prevalence and predictors of Trichomonas Infection in Incarcerated Women
Ank Nijhawan1, Rachel Salloway, Sarah Andrea, Jesse Champion, Michaela Seadale, Kimberle Chapin, Jennifer G Clarke;
(1) Harvard Medical School (Boston, USA);


13:30 – 15:00
Symposium 15 - STI epidemiology in Europe: challenges for prevention and control
Co-chairs:
Marita Van De Laar, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
Catherine Ison, Health Protection Agency, London, UK

Synopsis

The symposium covers the coordination of European-wide STI and HIV surveillance and an update of the specific LGV situation in MSM. Results from the first MSM internet survey to collect information on current sexual practices, attitudes & beliefs and access to testing and care will be presented. This symposium will bring together the leaders from several EU-funded programmes with special focus on MSM.
The objectives are to present:
1. European STI and HIV expert networks; implementation of enhanced surveillance for these diseases in Europe; surveillance activities covering 20 years of STI and 2 years of gonococcal AMR surveillance;
2. First results from the European MSM Internet Survey with respect to access to STI testing;
3. An update on the on-going LGV epidemic in European countries, the public health response and the key factors that affect transmission.

Presentations

Sexually Transmitted Infections in Europe – coordinating the European STI network
Marita van de Laar, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (Stockholm, Sweden)

European Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (Euro-GASP): Towards Timelier Monitoring
M. J. Cole1, S. A. Chisholm, M. Unemo, S. Hoffmann, M. J. W. van de Laar, C. A. Ison ;
(1) Health Protection Agency (London, United Kingdom);

European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS) - Differences in STI testing in European countries
Ulrich Marcus1, Axel J. Schmidt, Michele Breveglieri, Percy Fernandes Davila, Laia Ferrer, Cinta Folch, Ford Hickson, Harm J. Hospers, Massimo Mirandola, David Reid, Peter Weatherburn, for the EMIS network;
(1) Robert Koch Institute, Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology (Berlin, Germany);

Re-emergence of Lymphogranuloma venereum in Europe and the public health response
Helen Ward1, Henry J.C. de Vries, Marita van de Laar;
(1) Imperial College (London, United Kingdom);


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