Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Haemophilus ducreyi causes chancroid, a sexually transmitted genital ulcerative disease that facilitates the transmission of HIV-1. H. ducreyi also causes non-sexually transmitted cutaneous ulcers in children in tropical regions. During human infection, H. ducreyi is subject to a variety of stresses. The stringent response is a bacterial stress response system induced by nutrient limiting conditions and mediated by guanosine tetra- and pentaphosphate [(p)ppGpp] and the transcriptional regulator DksA. (p)ppGpp and DksA jointly interact with RNA polymerase to regulate genes critical for bacterial survival. We hypothesized that the stringent response is required for H. ducreyi virulence in humans. A ΔrelAΔspoT mutant, which is unable to synthesize (p)ppGpp, was partially attenuated for abscess formation in human volunteers. Loss of (p)ppGpp increased bacterial resistance to phagocytosis and stationary phase survival; however, the mutant was more sensitive to oxidative stress. A ΔdksA mutant was also partially attenuated in humans. The ΔdksA mutant behaved like the (p)ppGpp mutant in stationary phase survival and sensitivity to oxidative stress, but exhibited decreased resistance to phagocytosis. Both mutants had decreased adherence to fibroblasts, but the mechanisms underlying the adherence defect were distinct. To better understand the roles of (p)ppGpp and DksA in regulating gene expression, we performed transcriptome analysis of the parent and mutant strains. (p)ppGpp and DksA deficiency resulted in dysregulation of multiple genes including several known virulence determinants. At stationary phase, (p)ppGpp and DksA targets were not identical but significantly overlapped; as the mutants were phenotypically distinct, this finding underscores both the unique and joint roles DksA and (p)ppGpp play in regulation of H. ducreyi virulence. We conclude that (p)ppGpp and DksA play significant roles in H. ducreyi pathogenesis. This is the first study to show that the stringent response has a direct role in the ability of a bacterial pathogen to cause disease in humans.

Morbidity data for chlamydia {CT) and gonorrhea (GC) reported to San Joaquin County (SJC) Department of Health Services (DHS) from 1997 to 2006 was analyzed to geographically locate high risk areas and populations. The largest city in SJC is Stockton, which had the highest incidence rates and highest rates of repeat infections per population, and therefore is the primary focus of this analysis. Rates were determined by dividing the number of infections per census tract by the census 2000 population of each tract. Maps were made first for incidence (cumulative and annual), then for repeat infections, and then coinfections. Census tracts that continually showed high rates of infections were then mapped at the block level to locate more focused areas of infection. Demographic characteristics such as age, gender, race/ethnicity, incarceration, and poverty provided information on the high risk population. Case information was also examined by provider location and the treatment administered. By examining the population characteristics with the highest risk, along with the geographic location, outreach efforts by SJC DHS were far more focused and productive at targeting the core transmissions groups. Also through understanding where the cases were seeking treatment, or identifying a lack of medical availability in certain areas, SJC DHS can contact providers to distribute updated treatment guidelines and educational information to pass on to their patients.

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Development Studies, 2017 / HIV/AIDS is a social epidemic that continues to impact the lives of countless young people in Southern Africa and possibly poses one of the biggest threats to adolescent health and sexuality; and is one of the main challenges faced by youth in their transition to adulthood. However, despite the fifteenth year running of the South African government’s HIV/AIDS programme, prevalence rates continue to increase annually pointing to disjuncture between government intervention and the causal mechanisms involved in the spread of HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, literature on men’s sexuality in Southern Africa remains embedded within a ‘predatory masculinity and female vulnerability’ paradigm which results in a gendered analysis of HIV/AIDS and a side-lining of the male perspective which then places young men at a high risk of HIV infection. Therefore, in an attempt to understand the disconnect between literature and high prevalence rates; and to contribute to a better understanding of men’s health and sexuality, a qualitative study using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews was conducted amongst young black heterosexual men (19- 25 years old) to discover the factors that determine condom use among young men living in an RDP housing settlement in Daveyton on the East Rand of Johannesburg. The research findings show that condom use in the sample is predicated upon the young black heterosexual men’s definition of masculinity, the nature of the sexual relationship and sexual partner, and – to a lesser extent - the social accessibility of the condom. As they move from adolescence to adulthood, there is a transition of their understanding of masculinity from one characterized by promiscuous sexual behavior where the use of condoms is seen to diminish the degree of one’s masculinity, to a masculinity fostered by responsible sexual behaviour and accompanied by condom use. The study also found that young men expressed a distance from the supposedly hegemonic view of violent masculinity and male dominance in sexual relationships and that the search for love and the ability to provide for one’s partner was what was most valued in young men’s self -conception of masculinity and sexuality. This then negatively impacted condom usage in romantic relationships as such relationships were perceived to contain less risk and it was assumed that they are predicated on trust; positing love as the biggest barrier to condom use. Furthermore, the study found that although condoms are physically and economically accessible, they are not socially accessible due to the stigma attached to sexual activity among adolescents – which results in a barrier to condom usage. Therefore, findings suggest that the government’s condom promotion programmes - based on the tenets of education (on the subject of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases) and physical accessibility of condoms - are largely inconsistent with the factors that determine condom use among young men. This implies that there is a need to develop tailored condom promotion programmes targeted at male sexuality / XL2018

Thesis (M. Sc. (Microbiology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / Sexually transmitted infections represent one of the main health problems related to reproductive and sexual function, constituting one of the main causes of infertility. Plants have been employed traditionally in treating diseases for centuries. Elephantorrhiza burkei, Securidaca longepedunculata and Wrightia natalensis medicinal plants were selected for this study based on their use in traditional medicine to treat sexual health problems in Limpopo Province. The aim of the study was to determine antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the selected plants. Different extraction procedures coupled with solvents of varying polarities were used in the extraction of the plant materials. Possible microbial contaminants were identified using the VITEK 2 instrument. Qualitative phytochemical analysis was determined using standard chemical tests and Thin-Layer Chromatography. Total polyphenol content was quantified calorimetrically. Antioxidant activity was quantified using 2, 2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing power assays. In vitro antimicrobial activities were determined using a broth micro-dilution assay and bioautography. Combinational effects of the addition of multiple plant species on antimicrobial activity were investigated for additive, synergistic and antagonistic interactions. The plant species phytochemical profile contained polyphenols that are known to have antimicrobial effects against two Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213) and Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), a Gram-negative bacterium, as well as the fungus, Candida albicans (ATCC 10231). Elephantorrhiza burkei exhibited high antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity against the test pathogens, although most of the interactions were antagonistic and indifferent. Toxicity was found in the herbal treatment and acute toxicity was found in the selected plants. Based on the good correlations which were found in E. burkei, it was selected for bioactivity guided by an isolation of antibacterial compounds. Elephantorrhiza burkei was not successfully isolated, but the fraction collected showed exceptional biological activity that validates its usage against disease-causing pathogens related to sexually transmitted infections, which compromises male sexual health. This study suggests that the evaluated plants are potential sources of novel anti-infective agents. Further in vivo and in vitro studies are recommended for all the plants, respectively. / University of Limpopo and CSIR

No description available.

This study is about evaluating the effectiveness of training in syndromic management ofSTDs. The purpose of this study was to fmd out to what extent the STD training programme had been implemented. A stratified sample of twenty-two primary health care clinics in the Port Shepstone region was used. Twenty-two professional nurses rendering STD management in the clinics were observed. Data-gathering was done through a clinic inventory obtained by interviewing the sister-incharge, observation of professional nurses providing treatment to STD patients, interviews with professional nurses to assess their knowledge of the syndromic approach, and exit interviews with patients treated at the clinic. The fmdings suggest that certain areas in the STD training need to be emphasized, such as vaginal speculum and bi-manual examinations. It is recommended that certain negative aspects which hinder effective STD management, like staff shortages and lack of equipment be given attention. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

This quantitative descriptive cross sectional study explored factors influencing sexual risk behaviours among youths in senior secondary schools in Ethiopia. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Religious attachment, living with friends, living alone, parental control, level of parental education, peer pressure and number of friends who had experienced sex were some of the factors noted to influence youths to engage in sexual risk behaviours. The findings of this study have implications for both practice and policy development. They will enable healthcare workers to identify youths at risk of engaging in sexual risk behaviours and subsequently motivate them using health promotion strategies to engage in safe sexual practices. Adopting such an approach will prevent or at least minimise risk of youths being infected with sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV/AIDS. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

This study is about evaluating the effectiveness of training in syndromic management ofSTDs. The purpose of this study was to fmd out to what extent the STD training programme had been implemented. A stratified sample of twenty-two primary health care clinics in the Port Shepstone region was used. Twenty-two professional nurses rendering STD management in the clinics were observed. Data-gathering was done through a clinic inventory obtained by interviewing the sister-incharge, observation of professional nurses providing treatment to STD patients, interviews with professional nurses to assess their knowledge of the syndromic approach, and exit interviews with patients treated at the clinic. The fmdings suggest that certain areas in the STD training need to be emphasized, such as vaginal speculum and bi-manual examinations. It is recommended that certain negative aspects which hinder effective STD management, like staff shortages and lack of equipment be given attention. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

MPH / Department of Public Health / The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among High Schools has reached an epidemic level, calling for public health intervention. The study purpose was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and risk behaviours related to STIs among learners at a selected high school in Collins Chabane Municipality. A quantitative-descriptive study was carried among 2018 officially registered high school learners in Malamulele. Malamulele West was conveniently selected because of the accessibility and Photani High School was selected purposefully. A simple-random sampling technique was used to select 252 respondents. Data collected with self-administered questionnaires was analysed using SPSS software version 25.0, the response rate was 100%. Chi-square test was used to determine the relationships between more categorical variables. Statistical significance level was set at p<0.05. Majority (63.1%) of the respondents never knew of STIs. Majority of respondents (31%) incorrectly identified the types and causative organisms of STIs. Poor knowledge on the modes of transmission was found amongst 73% of the population. Majority of the respondents (67%) did now know that STIs are infections. A large proportion (54%) had a positive attitude on STIs as they emphasised the importance of STI screening. Misconceptions regarding STIs is rife, 61% and 59.9% of the respondents believed preventing STIs by going to church every Sunday and sleeping with virgins respectively. 95.6%) were sexual active and 29% of the respondents had poor knowledge on risk sexual behaviours. Respondents had adequate knowledge regarding treatment as 56% of the respondents reported knowing where to seek treatment. However, 92.1% respondents reported bad treatment by nurses. Each high school should be allocated a social worker and a nurse for the coordination of awareness campaigns on STIs. Churches should offer formal programs regarding STIs to their congregants in collaboration with universities and clinics. / NRF

This quantitative descriptive cross sectional study explored factors influencing sexual risk behaviours among youths in senior secondary schools in Ethiopia. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Religious attachment, living with friends, living alone, parental control, level of parental education, peer pressure and number of friends who had experienced sex were some of the factors noted to influence youths to engage in sexual risk behaviours. The findings of this study have implications for both practice and policy development. They will enable healthcare workers to identify youths at risk of engaging in sexual risk behaviours and subsequently motivate them using health promotion strategies to engage in safe sexual practices. Adopting such an approach will prevent or at least minimise risk of youths being infected with sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV/AIDS. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)