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Other Presentations/Findings of Interest

Several conference presentations will explore regional and demographic trends in STDs. These findings help identify populations most impacted locally and direct prevention and treatment efforts where they are most needed.

Continued Signs of Concern Among MSM

In recent years, studies have found increases in STD infections and risk behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM). Several presentations at this week's conference point to a continuation in this trend, with studies indicating high levels of gonorrhea, syphilis and HPV, as well as co-infection with HIV, among MSM throughout the country. Together with past indications, these findings continue to point to the danger of a possible resurgence in the HIV epidemic in this population and the urgent need for expanded prevention efforts. Included in these presentations is a San Francisco study on "barebacking," a high-risk behavior that, while found to be practiced by only a minority of MSM, may be contributing to the ongoing spread of STDs, including HIV.

• "Patterns of STD Infection, HIV Co-Infection, and Risk-Behavior among MSM at a Boston Community Health Center" (Abstract 418, Symposium, Wednesday, March 6, 10:00 a.m.)
• "Increases in Gonorrhea among Vulnerable Populations: Obstacles to Disease Intervention" (Abstract 280, Poster, Monday, March 4, 7:00 p.m.)
• "Changing Epidemiology of Syphilis and Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Men Who Have Sex with Men" (Abstract 272, Symposium, Wednesday, March 6, 10:00 a.m.)
• "Changes in the Epidemiology of Syphilis in New York City, 1999-2001" (Abstract 444, Poster, Wednesday, March 6, 12:15 p.m.)
• "Sexually Transmitted Diseases, HIV Testing, and HIV Risk Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex with Men Seeking Care at Howard Brown Health Center" (Abstract 321, Symposium, Wednesday, March 6, 10:00 a.m.)
• "'Barebacking' in a Diverse Sample of MSM" (Abstract 403, Oral, Monday, March 4, 4:00 p.m.)

Local Data Demonstrate Continuing Toll Among Young Women

Findings indicate high levels of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HPV among young women in several communities, especially in the South. High rates of chlamydia were identified among young African-American women in one study, while in a second study national data on gonorrhea prevalence suggest that many young women are dually infected with both chlamydia and gonorrhea. Because STDs can have serious consequences, especially for women, these data underscore an urgent need for expand STD prevention, screening, and treatment services in many areas.

• "Gonorrhea Prevalence and Co-Infection with Chlamydia in Women Seen in Family Planning Clinics" (Abstract 194, Poster, Monday, March 4, 7:00 p.m.)
• "Preventive and Risk Behaviors Among Young Black Women Receiving STD Testing Services, Dallas, 1999-2001" (Abstract 297, Poster, Monday, March 4, 7:00 p.m.)
• "Prevalence and Correlates of Chlamydia trachomatis in Sexually Active African-American Adolescent Females" (Abstract 483, Poster, Monday, March 4, 7:00 p.m.)
• "Prevalence and Predictors of Human Papillomavirus Infection in HIV-Positive and Negative Women" (Abstract 460, Poster, Wednesday, March 6, 12:15 p.m.)

Additional Data on Impact of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

New studies examine the impact and prevention of this non-curable STD, which continues to impact millions of Americans, many of whom are unaware of their infection.

• "Impact of Knowledge of Herpes simplex virus Type II Serostatus on STD Clinic Patients" (Abstract 72, Poster, Wednesday, March 6, 12:15 p.m.)
• "Condoms Protect Men and Women Against Herpes simplex virus Type 2 (HSV-2) Acquisition" (Abstract 274, Oral Presentation, Wednesday, March 6, 10:00 a.m.)

Studies Examine Economic Benefits of STD Prevention

In addition to the human toll of STDs, these diseases result in millions of dollars in unnecessary treatment costs each year. Several conference presentations explore the cost-savings that could result from improved STD prevention and treatment programs:

• "Cost-Effectiveness of Universal Screening for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Among Inmates in United States Jails" (Abstract 90, Poster, Monday, March 4, 7:00 p.m.)
• "Potential Impact of the National Plan to Eliminate Syphilis on HIV Incidence Rates Among African-Americans," (Abstract 83, Poster, Wednesday, March 6, 12:15 p.m).