Jane Nicholls

• MB ChB
• Consultant at Cardiff and Vale Health Board

Background Due to rising numbers of STI diagnosis and increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance, we explored trends in STI testing frequency and diagnoses, alongside sexual decision making and attitudes concerning condom use and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at a large urban UK sexual health clinic. Methods We examined 66 528 electro...

Modelling suggests hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination is possible among men‐who‐have‐sex‐with‐men (MSM), with key screening groups including HIV‐diagnosed MSM and MSM using pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Mathematical modelling was used to determine the cost‐effectiveness of HCV case‐finding strategies among MSM from the provider perspective, and...

Background: HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has helped reduce new HIV infections. However bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have increased amongst PrEP users. We examined PrEP knowledge, access and risk perceptions in an age of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Methods: An online anonymous survey was distributed to all cisgender...

Background Routine HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and HIV care appointments provide opportunities for screening men who have sex with men (MSM) for hepatitis C virus infection (HCV). However, levels of screening required for achieving the WHO elimination target of reducing HCV incidence by 90% by 2030 among all MSM are unknown. Methods An HCV...

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of dual therapy with lamivudine (3TC), with dose adjustment for renal function, and dolutegravir (DTG) in a subgroup of patients fully suppressed on treatment who were switched because of concerns about comorbidity and toxicity on their current triple drug regimen. Methods: A retrospe...

Background Routine HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and HIV care appointments provide opportunities for screening men who have sex with men (MSM) for hepatitis C virus infection (HCV). However, levels of screening required for achieving the WHO elimination target of reducing HCV incidence by 90% by 2030 among all MSM are unknown. Methods An HCV...

Background There is currently considerable interest the complex relationship between PrEP and STI incidence. Our Challenges and Opportunities of PrEP (CHOP) study uses qualitative and quantitative methods to ascertain the changes in behaviour and STI rates in high risk men/transgender/nonbinary persons who have sex with men (MSM/TPSM) before and af...

HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is the use of antiretrovirals by HIV negative individuals to reduce the risk of HIV infection. In this article the authors give an overview of the evidence for PrEP among key populations and practical considerations regarding HIV and PrEP risk assessment, delivery and monitoring.

Despite Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) being increasingly recognised as a genital pathogen in men and women, awareness and utility of commercially available MG-testing has been low. The opinion of UK sexual health clinicians and allied professionals was sought on how MG-testing should be used. Thirty-two consensus statements were developed by an expert...

Background Highly sensitive, commercial nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) for Trichomonas vaginalis have only recently been recommended for use in the UK. While testing for T. vaginalis is routine in symptomatic women attending genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics, it is rare in asymptomatic women or those attending primary care. The aim of t...

Introduction Despite Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) being increasingly recognised as a genital pathogen in men and women, commercial testing has only recently become available. The opinion of sexual health clinicians and allied professionals was sought on how MG testing should be used. Methods 32 consensus statements were developed by an expert group...

Introduction Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are common causes of urethritis. Management is often based on an enhanced syndromic approach while awaiting results. This can necessitate prescribing to cover a range of potential pathogens, and uncertainty for patients. Point of care testing (POCT) for chlamydia and gonorrhoea in men with symptoms of urethriti...

Introduction The Aptima TV NAAT for the detection of Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is ~100% sensitive compared to wet mount microscopy (50%) or culture (75%). Asymptomatic women attending genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics and patients in primary care are often not tested for TV, as the prevalence and sensitivity of current tests is assumed to be to...

Background Laboratory tests for Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) using culture and microscopy in current practice have low sensitivity. However new, highly sensitive PCR-based nucleic acid amplification tests (TV NAATs) have been approved e.g. Aptima TV NAAT. It is not known how to optimally deploy these new tests. Objectives To assess the cost-effective...

Introduction The Aptima TV NAAT test has recently been approved for use (sensitivity ~100%). Current microbiological testing involves wet mount microscopy (sensitivity 50%) or culture (sensitivity 75%). In practice, sensitivity rates may often be lower than this, due to deterioration of specimens during transport to the laboratory. Tests for Tricho...

Background/introduction Laboratory tests for Trichomonas vaginalis using culture and microscopy in current practice have low sensitivity, however new, highly sensitive PCR-based nucleic acid amplification tests (TV NAATs) have been approved e.g. Aptima TV NAAT. It is not known how to optimally deploy these new tests in different settings. Aim(s)/ob...

Background The Aptima TV NAAT test has been approved for use for the detection of Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and is more sensitive (˜100%) than wet mount microscopy (50%) or culture (75%). Asymptomatic women attending GUM clinics are often not tested for TV as the prevalence is assumed to be too low for testing to be cost effective. Aims To determi...

Background/introduction Service provision for patients with sexual dysfunction (SD) in the UK varies according to locality and available expertise. Speciality training in SD may be variable and poorly standardised. The 2010 GUM curriculum is due for review in 2015. The opinion of senior trainees and new consultants will help inform these curriculum...

Background Tests for Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) are often not performed on samples submitted from primary care because the prevalence is assumed to be too low for testing to be cost effective. Current microbiological testing involves wet mount microscopy (sensitivity 50%) or culture (sensitivity 75%). In practice, sensitivity rates may often be low...