Category Archives: Epidemiology
Performance of commercial herpes simplex virus type-2 antibody tests using serum samples from Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: Several commercial type-specific serologic tests are available for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Poor specificity of some tests has been reported on samples from sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: To...
Population-based interventions for reducing sexually transmitted infections, including HIV infection
BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are common in developing countries. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that in 1999, 340 million new cases of syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydial infection and trichomoniasis...
A critical literature review to identify possible causes of higher rates of HIV infection among young black and Latino men who have sex with men
Black and Latino young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are disproportionately impacted by HIV infection; however, the reason for this disparity is unclear. To identify possible causes of...
Intergenerational sex as a risk factor for HIV among young men who have sex with men: A scoping review
An emerging body of evidence suggests that intergenerational sexual partnerships may increase risk of HIV acquisition among young men who have sex with men (YMSM). However, no studies have comprehensively...
Disparities and risks of sexually transmissible infections among men who have sex with men in China: A meta-analysis and data synthesis
BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including Hepatitis B and C virus, are emerging public health risks in China, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aims...
Incident HIV during pregnancy and postpartum and risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission: A systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: Women may have persistent risk of HIV acquisition during pregnancy and postpartum. Estimating risk of HIV during these periods is important to inform optimal prevention approaches. We performed a...
Intravaginal practices, vaginal infections and HIV acquisition: Systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: Intravaginal practices are commonly used by women to manage their vaginal health and sexual life. These practices could, however, affect intravaginal mucosal integrity. The objectives of this study were...
Antiretroviral therapy and the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis: A meta-analytic review
INTRODUCTION: Prevalence estimates of osteopenia and osteoporosis (reduced bone mineral density; BMD) in HIV-infected patients and the role of antiretroviral therapy (ART) varies in the literature. METHODS: We conducted a...
Nothing as Practical as a Good Theory? The Theoretical Basis of HIV Prevention Interventions for Young People in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review
This paper assesses the extent to which HIV prevention interventions for young people in sub-Saharan Africa are grounded in theory and if theory-based interventions are more effective. Three databases were...
HIV and hepatitis B and C incidence rates in US correctional populations and high risk groups: A systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: High Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevalence and high risk behaviors have been well documented within United States (US) correctional systems. However, uncertainty remains regarding the extent to which placing...
A systematic review of behavioral interventions to prevent HIV infection and transmission among heterosexual, adult men in low-and middle-income countries
Prevention of new HIV infections needs to move to the forefront in the fight against HIV and AIDS. In the current economic crisis, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) should invest...
Life-threatening adverse reactions after acupuncture: A systematic review
Acupuncture is amongst the oldest forms of medical treatment. Many proponents feel that this fact sufficiently demonstrates its safety. While traditional use and acceptance renders frequent adverse reactions unlikely, we...
