MMWR News Synopsis for September 25, 2014
Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis Among Persons aged 14–39 Years — United States, 2007–2012
CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286
National data confirms that chlamydia remains common in the U.S., with young women particularly affected. Using 2007-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, CDC researchers calculated nationally representative estimates for chlamydia prevalence overall, as well as by sex, age and race/ethnicity. The results showed an overall chlamydia prevalence of 1.7 percent among those aged 14-39, which suggests that there are an estimated 1.8 million prevalent infections nationally.Prevalence varied by age and race/ethnicity, with young people and African Americans most affected. Among sexually-active females aged 14-24 years, the population for whom routine screening is recommended, chlamydia prevalence was 4.7 percent, and it was highest (at 13.5 percent) among black females in this age group. The researchers note that because many cases of chlamydia are asymptomatic and go undiagnosed, these findings highlight the importance of screening all sexually active young females to ensure that those who are infected get diagnosed and treated. Without treatment, chlamydia can lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancy. The racial disparities also emphasize the need for targeted interventions to reduce the impact of chlamydia among young African American women.
Men Living with Diagnosed HIV Who Have Sex with Men: Progress Along the Continuum of HIV Care– United States, 2010
CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286
A new CDC analysis finds that half of gay and bisexual men diagnosed with HIV are not receiving care and treatment for their infection. HIV treatment can suppress the amount of virus in the body to a level low enough to dramatically improve a person’s own health and to greatly reduce their risk of transmitting HIV to others. Yet fewer than half of men who have sex with men (MSM) diagnosed with HIV have achieved viral suppression. Using data from CDC’s National HIV Surveillance System and Medical Monitoring Project to determine the proportion of MSM diagnosed with HIV who were engaged at each stage of care in the U.S. in 2010, researchers found across-the-board gaps in important markers of care. Overall, 77.5 percent of these men were linked to care within three months of diagnosis, but only half (50.9 percent) were retained in care. Fewer than half of MSM diagnosed with HIV (49.5 percent) were prescribed treatment and only 42 percent achieved viral suppression. Young MSM and African-American MSM were the least likely to receive care and treatment. U.S. clinical guidelines now recommend that everyone with HIV begin therapy upon diagnosis. In conclusion, the authors note that while it is important to improve care outcomes for men who have already been diagnosed, it is also critically important to reach the estimated 19 percent of MSM who do not know they are infected.
Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Pregnant Women — United States, 2013–14
Angela Minicuci
Michigan Department of Community Health
517-241-1212
Among a publicly insured Michigan Medicaid cohort, overall vaccination percentages with tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccines were low for all pregnant women.ack, Asian, and Arab women were less likely to receive a Tdap vaccine compared to white women. Vaccinating pregnant women with tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccines is an important strategy for providing passive immunity to infants, who are at highest risk of mortality and morbidity from pertussis. In 2011, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) first recommended the routine administration of Tdap during pregnancy. Using Michigan Medicaid administrative claims data and statewide immunization information system data, this is the first study to examine Tdap vaccination among a publicly-insured cohort of pregnant women. Results indicated that only 14.3% of women received Tdap during pregnancy, with rates highest among whites and lowest among Arab women. Ensuring that all infants receive the protection against pertussis afforded by maternal vaccination will require enhanced efforts, including increased education of health care providers, parents, and families.
###
