Article Text
Abstract
Background Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are the most common pathogens causing genital tract infections. They cause a significant global morbidity and mortality and have been associated with increased risk of HIV transmission, mainly among key populations fueling STIs and HIV. Men who have sex with men (MSM) had been classified by the Moroccan National AIDS Program (NAP) as a vulnerable risky group with higher burden of STIs. The aim of the present study is to assess the prevalence of CT and NG among MSM in Marrakech.
Methods From October to December 2017, a total of 238 MSM were enrolled in the study using Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS). Access to this population was facilitated by an NGO evolving in the field of HIV and STIs, with extensive experience with hard- to- reach population. Eligible recruits were aged of 18 years and older and having lived in Marrakech for the previous six months. Socio-demographic and behavioral factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. CT and NG investigations were performed using the molecular test the Xpert CT/NG tests (Cepheid, USA) on anal swab samples.
Results The findings showed a prevalence of CT and NG of 9.24% (22/238) and 8.40 (20/238) respectively. A CT/NG co-infection was found in 3.36% (8/238) of cases. Fifty percent of MSM reported having passive anal sex with a male partner in the past six months and 44.1% have used Condom at the last passive anal sex.
Conclusion The prevalence of CT and NG among MSM in Marrakech has increased significantly compared to the results obtained in the first study conducted in 2010, which was 6.3% for CT and 2.4% for NG. These findings confirmed the need for the establishment and the expansion of programs targeting MSM in Morocco to strengthen the prevention and control the STIs among risky groups.
Disclosure No significant relationships.