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Biomedical subjects

E W Hook

Publications and source records attributed to E W Hook.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Comparative behavioral epidemiology of gonococcal and chlamydial infections among patients attending a Baltimore, Maryland, sexually transmitted disease clinic.

Between April 1988 and May 1989, 400 males and 400 females attending a Baltimore, Maryland, sexually transmitted disease clinic were enrolled in a study evaluating and comparing behaviors associated with culture-proven gonococcal or chlamydial infection. The subjects were enrolled consecutively, and were all seen by the same clinician. Among participants of each sex, gonorrhea but not chlamydia was associated with increasing numbers of recent (the past 30 days) sexual partners. Compared with males with neither infection, factors independently associated with increased risk of gonorrhea included age less than 20 years (odds ratio (OR) = 1.93), the presence of genitourinary symptoms (OR = 8.07), and recent exposure to a new sexual partner (OR = 2.78); risk for chlamydial infection in males was associated with genitourinary symptoms (OR = 2.83) and was significantly reduced in those reporting multiple recent (OR = 0.19) or new (OR = 0.07) sexual partners. Among females, age less than 20 years was independently associated with gonococcal (OR = 1.86) and chlamydial (OR = 7.79) infections in comparison with females with neither infection. No other behavioral factors were associated with chlamydial infection for females in this study; however, having a regular sexual partner was associated with significantly elevated risk of gonorrhea (OR = 3.85), while the presence of genital tract symptoms was associated with diminished risk (OR = 0.29) for gonorrhea. These data suggest that there are differences in the behaviors associated with gonorrheal and chlamydial infections and that different strategies may be useful in efforts to control these infections.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Effect of HIV posttest counseling on STD incidence.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and posttest counseling in reducing subsequent high-risk behavior. METHODS: The incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the Baltimore, Md, public STD clinic population after HIV testing and counseling was determined by chart review and was compared in two groups, 868 HIV-seropositive patients and 1104 HIV-seronegative patients, matched by age, sex, and month in which HIV test was conducted. Patients were observed for incident STDs at intervals of 6 through 23 months. Patients with incident STDs were classified hierarchically after being notified of the HIV test result and receiving posttest counseling. RESULTS: Of HIV-seropositive patients, 615 (71%) returned for their test results and received posttest counseling; 694 HIV-seronegative patients (63%) returned. Of all those who returned for results and posttest counseling, 60 (9.7%) of 615 HIV-seropositive patients and 61 (8.8%) of 694 HIV-seronegative patients were diagnosed at least once with definite STD (syphilis, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis) (P, not significant). Twenty-four HIV-seropositive patients (3.9%) and 71 HIV-seronegative patients (10.2%) returned with probable STD (nongonococcal urethritis or pelvic inflammatory disease) (P less than .001). Nine HIV-seropositive patients (1.5%) and 23 HIV-seronegative patients (3.3%) returned having had an STD-infected sexual partner (P less than .03). Age, sexual orientation, and drug use behavior did not predict return with STD. CONCLUSIONS: Both HIV-seropositive and HIV-seronegative patients showed high rates of repeat STDs after posttest counseling, an important public health challenge in creating effective high-risk behavior prevention strategies.

Counseling↗
PubMed1992

Herpes simplex virus infection as a risk factor for human immunodeficiency virus infection in heterosexuals.

To determine if infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2 is associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 infection among patients attending sexually transmitted diseases clinics, a case-control study was done on coded sera from 179 HIV-1-infected patients and 367 age-, race-, and gender-matched HIV-1-seronegative patients. Although only 13 (2.3%) of 546 patients had a history of genital herpes treatment, 72% and 56.6%, respectively, had serologic evidence of prior infection with HSV-1 and -2. HSV-1 antibody prevalence was similar among both patient groups; however, HSV-2 antibodies were more common among those infected with HIV-1. Among heterosexual men, 62.7% of those infected with HIV-1 had HSV-2 antibodies compared with 46.7% of those not infected (P less than .01). The HSV-2 seroprevalence among women with or without HIV infection was 78.1% and 57.7%, respectively (P less than .02). A history of intravenous drug use and a reactive serologic test for syphilis were each independently associated with HIV-1 infection in heterosexuals. These data suggest that the two most common causes of genital ulcerative disease in the United States, genital herpes and syphilis, may contribute to increased risk for HIV-1 infection among heterosexuals.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed1992

Evolution of the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic among patients attending sexually transmitted disease clinics: a decade of experience.

Since human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is predominantly sexually transmitted, serologic surveys for HIV infection in sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics provide sentinel observations regarding HIV epidemiology. Over the past decade, 17,207 systematically collected sera from patients attending Baltimore STD clinics were analyzed. From 1979 through 1989, HIV seroprevalence rose from 0.23% to 5.35%, increasing significantly in both men and women (P less than .001). Due to a marked increase in HIV infection among women during the mid-1980s, the male-to-female ratio of HIV infection declined from 16:1 in 1979-1982 to 1.0 in 1988-1989. HIV seroprevalence increased significantly (P less than .001) in all age groups, with the greatest increase among teenagers, rising from 0.18% in 1979-1983 to 2.1% in 1987-1989 (P less than .001). Although HIV seroprevalence was higher among whites than blacks during the early 1980s, it increased in blacks subsequently (P less than .001), eventually resulting in a greater rate among black than white clinic patients (P less than .01). These data reflect the evolution of the HIV epidemic in US inner cities. HIV prevalence has increased greater than 20-fold, with recent increases being most marked among women, teenagers, and blacks. Additional resources will undoubtedly be required to support further intensive behavioral and educational programs targeted at adolescents and inner-city minorities.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Infection with human T lymphotropic virus types I and II in sexually transmitted disease clinics in Baltimore and New Orleans.

Patients attending sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics in Baltimore (n = 4880) and New Orleans (n = 1054) were surveyed in 1987 to estimate the prevalence of human T lymphotropic virus (HTLV)-I/II infection. In Baltimore, 0.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2-1.1) were HTLV-I/II-seropositive and 4.9% were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1)-positive. In New Orleans, 1.8% (CI, 1.2-2.9) of sera were HTLV-I/II-seropositive and 5.1% were HIV-1-seropositive. In both cities, HTLV-I/II prevalence increased significantly with age, and the New Orleans age- and sex-adjusted HTLV-I/II prevalence was significantly higher than that of Baltimore (P less than .001). In Baltimore, almost all HTLV-I/II seropositivity was associated with a history of parenteral drug use or sexual contact with partners who were drug users or male homosexuals. In addition, individuals in both cities who were seropositive for HIV-1 or syphilis were significantly more likely to be HTLV-I/II-seropositive.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Association of biologic false-positive reactions for syphilis with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

The prevalence of biologic false-positive (BFP) reactions for syphilis (reactive rapid plasma reagin [RPR] test, nonreactive fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption [FTA-ABS] test) among patients attending two sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics was evaluated to assess relationships between BFP reactions and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Among 4863 patients, 357 (7.3%) had serologic evidence of syphilis and 4.9% had HIV infection. Only 40 patients (0.8% of total patients, 11% of those with reactive RPR tests) had BFP serologic tests for syphilis. There were no demographic differences between true syphilis and BFP patients as to sex, age, or intravenous drug use. BFP patients tended to have lower RPR titers (less than or equal to 1:4) than did true syphilis patients. After excluding 317 patients with reactive FTA-ABS tests, BFP RPR tests were seen in 6 (4%) of 159 HIV-seropositive patients and 34 (0.8%) of 4387 HIV-seronegative patients (odds ratio, 5.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-12.7). Although more common among HIV-infected than HIV-uninfected patients, BFP reactions are relatively rare among STD clinic patients, and 89% of patients with reactive RPR or VDRL serologic tests for syphilis had current or prior syphilis infection. The RPR test remains useful for guiding decisions regarding therapy for syphilis.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Pacesetters of the American image or (a case for a pleasant diversion).

Regardless of how you resolve the morality of our history, the fact is that Currier and Ives documented in their own special and often biased way the iconography of the growth and development of the United States of America (Fig. 88) in some of the most eventful years of its history from about 1840 through 1895. Now, as we near our 500th anniversary commemoration of Columbus' voyage to the Americas, it seems especially appropriate to review--to think about all of this. I think you have sensed, as we have gone along, that learning about Currier and his colleagues--these pacesetters of the American Image--has meant, as Osler predicted, a pleasant diversion for me. These activities have carried me into new areas of interest, expanding my perspective of the American Image--of people, of medicine, of life in general, and aiding in the identification of values, my own, as well as those of others. All along, my knowledge has been enhanced, especially of the history of this wonderful complex country of ours. Furthermore, and of considerable importance, this endeavor has sharpened my power of observation. I have, like a good doctor should do, learned to look better!

Art↗
PubMed1991

Interpartner reliability of reporting of recent sexual behaviors.

Epidemiologic studies exploring risks for sexually transmitted diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus infection, typically rely on self-report of sexual behaviors. Estimates of the incidence and prevalence of sexual practices are important measures for assessment of behavioral interventions as well as for examining disease transmission. This study examined the degree of agreement within heterosexual couples reporting frequency and type of sexual behaviors, including condom use. Self-reports were obtained from 71 couples attending Baltimore sexually transmitted disease clinics in 1989-1990 regarding the number of days and number of episodes of three specific sexual practices (any type of sexual activity, vaginal sex, and vaginal sex with condom use) over a 30-day period. Paired t test analysis revealed both sexes to be very consistent in their reporting of recent sexual experiences. Multivariate analysis showed that agreement did not vary by socioeconomic status, by whether the partners were married to each other, or by age. These findings suggest that reliable information regarding sexual behaviors may be obtained from men or women.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

A comparison of single-dose cefixime with ceftriaxone as treatment for uncomplicated gonorrhea. The Gonorrhea Treatment Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Because of the widespread existence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae resistant to penicillin or tetracycline, ceftriaxone is now recommended for the treatment of gonorrhea. There is, however, a need for effective antibiotics that can be administered orally as an alternative to ceftriaxone, which requires intramuscular administration. Cefixime is an orally absorbed cephalosporin that is active against resistant gonococci and has pharmacokinetic activity suitable for single-dose administration. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a randomized, unblinded multicenter study of 209 men and 124 women with uncomplicated gonorrhea, we compared three single-dose treatment regimens: 400 mg or 800 mg of cefixime, administered orally, and 250 mg of ceftriaxone administered intramuscularly. The overall cure rates were 96 percent for the 400-mg dose of cefixime (89 of 93 patients) (95 percent confidence interval, 93.5 percent to 97.8 percent); 98 percent for the 800-mg dose of cefixime (86 of 88 patients) (95 percent confidence interval, 94.6 percent to 100 percent); and 98 percent for ceftriaxone (92 of 94 patients) (95 percent confidence interval, 94.9 to 100 percent). The cure rates were similar in men and women, and pharyngeal infection was eradicated in 20 of 22 patients (91 percent). Thirty-nine percent of 303 pretreatment gonococcal isolates had one or more types of antimicrobial resistance; the efficacy of all three regimens was independent of the resistance pattern. Chlamydia trachomatis infection persisted in at least half the patients infected in each treatment group. All three regimens were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea, a single dose of cefixime (400 or 800 mg) given orally appears to be as effective as the currently recommended regimen of ceftriaxone (250 mg given intramuscularly).

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1991

CD4 lymphocyte concentrations in patients with newly identified HIV infection attending STD clinics. Potential impact on publicly funded health care resources.

Since January 1990, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients attending two sexually transmitted disease clinics in Baltimore, Md, have been offered T-lymphocyte subset evaluations. From January through September, CD4+ lymphocyte concentrations were measured in 223 newly diagnosed HIV-infected patients; 50% had fewer than 500 CD4+ T cells and 12% had fewer than 200 CD4+ T cells per cubic millimeter. Most patients were asymptomatic, and, even among patients with fewer than 200 CD4+ T cells, 54% had no symptoms or signs suggestive of advanced HIV infection. Homosexually active men had significantly lower mean CD4+ lymphocyte concentrations than intravenous drug users. Given the substantial numbers of patients with CD4+ concentrations that qualified them for zidovudine therapy, we also assessed their mechanisms of paying for health care. Only 24% of HIV-infected patients had private insurance. Seventy-two percent of patients with fewer than 200 CD4+ T cells either had no insurance or relied on public assistance for health care. Thus, although 50% of asymptomatic individuals identified by routine voluntary HIV screening in an inner-city sexually transmitted disease clinic may benefit from therapy for their disease, 75% of those qualifying for presently recommended therapy either depend on publicly funded health care or have no means of payment for care.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

An experimental model of early central nervous system syphilis.

Although up to 40% of patients with early syphilis have evidence of central nervous system (CNS) invasion by Treponema pallidum, the pathogenesis of CNS syphilis is not understood. A rabbit model that mimics early CNS involvement in humans was developed and characterized. Mild cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis was evident 2 weeks after intracisternal inoculation of T. pallidum and peaked at 9 weeks. The VDRL test in cerebrospinal fluid was reactive in 24% of animals, most commonly at 9 weeks after infection. T. pallidum could be isolated from the CNS of animals infected for 4, 6, or 9 weeks but not from animals infected for 12 or 20 weeks. Clinically, 6% of animals developed uveitis, similar to the frequency in patients with secondary syphilis. Thus, this model of meningeal and ocular syphilis seems to be analogous to the early CNS infection in humans and can be used for studies of pathogenesis and treatment.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Sexually transmitted diseases in a population of intravenous drug users: association with seropositivity to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

The association between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositivity and a history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), evidence of STDs on physical examination, and sexual and drug use practices was studied in a population of 2921 intravenous drug users (IVDUs) in Baltimore during 1988 and 1989. Overall, 24.1% were HIV-seropositive at baseline, and 60% reported a history of an STD. A significant association was found between HIV seropositivity and a history of syphilis (P = .04); both were more frequent among homosexual/bisexual men than among heterosexual IVDUs. In multivariate analysis, a history of syphilis was independently associated with HIV seroprevalence in homosexual/bisexual male IVDUs, of whom 90% reported a history of sexual intercourse with women. Cocaine injection was independently associated with HIV seropositivity but not a history of syphilis on multivariate analysis. STDs, indicative of unsafe sex practices, are common in this population; efforts are needed to prevent sexual transmission of HIV infection among IVDUs and their sex partners.

Baltimore↗
PubMed1991

Cocaine hydrochloride and benzoylecgonine have no in vitro inhibitory effect against Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

We evaluated 72 clinical Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates for in vitro susceptibility to cocaine hydrochloride and its metabolite benzoylecgonine and to penicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, ceftriaxone, and ofloxacin. Although there was a wide range of susceptibilities to the antimicrobial agents, cocaine and its major metabolite, benzoylecgonine, had no demonstrable antigonococcal activity. Cocaine use is frequently associated with outbreaks of sexually transmitted disease. We hypothesized that the dramatically decreasing incidence of gonorrhea over the past 15 years may be in part due to pharmacological effects of cocaine. However, since cocaine and its metabolite have no in vitro antigonococcal activity, this hypothesis is unlikely.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1991

Characteristics of patients with syphilis attending Baltimore STD clinics. Multiple high-risk subgroups and interactions with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Medical records of 341 patients with syphilis seen at a health department sexually transmitted disease clinic were reviewed to assess membership in high-risk subgroups and interactions with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. When compared with the entire clinic population, patients with syphilis tended to be older and were more likely to acknowledge intravenous drug use, more often had a history of syphilis, and, among men, were more often homosexually active. Half of the men with syphilis and one third of the women fell into one or more of these high-risk subgroups. Patients with syphilis were also more likely to test positive for HIV infection than other patients attending the clinic. Patients admitting to intravenous drug use, prior syphilis, or being homosexually active were significantly more likely to be HIV seropositive than patients without these characteristics, even though patients with these characteristics were significantly more likely to refuse HIV serologic testing. Although clinical stage of syphilis at presentation did not differ when patients with and without concurrent HIV infection were compared, geometric mean rapid plasma reagin titers were significantly higher in HIV-infected patients with secondary syphilis.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

National surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project.

The Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project is a national sentinel surveillance system to estimate levels and monitor trends of antimicrobial resistance in prospectively collected isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Of 6204 isolates evaluated from 21 clinic sites between September 1987 and December 1988, 21% met at least one of the surveillance criteria for resistance to penicillin, tetracycline, cefoxitin, or spectinomycin; 2.2% were penicillinase-producing N gonorrhoeae; 1.0% had high-level plasmid-mediated tetracycline resistance; and 16.8% of the isolates without plasmid-mediated resistance had chromosomally mediated resistance (defined as a minimum inhibitory concentration greater than or equal to 2 micrograms/mL) to penicillin, tetracycline, or cefoxitin. Three isolates were resistant to spectinomycin. All isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone. Resistant isolates were identified from all participating centers. Patient demographic and behavioral characteristics were not predictive of infections caused by resistant organisms. These results demonstrate the wide distribution of antimicrobial-resistant N gonorrhoeae and support recent changes in Centers for Disease Control therapy recommendations for gonococcal infections that no longer recommend tetracycline and penicillin as first-line therapies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Syphilis in adults.

This article reviews the clinical manifestations of syphilis, diagnostic tests that might help to diagnose accurately the disease, and current recommendations for therapy. The association of syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus infection raises additional questions related to transmission, diagnosis, and therapy of both diseases.

Adult↗