Prevalência de Neisseria Gonorrhoeae e Chlamydia Trachomatis entre homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) de 15 a 24 anos no município de Vitória da Conquista – BA

Abstract

In Brazil, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) remain a challenging public health issue. Men who have sex with men (MSM), adolescents, and young adults are disproportionately affected by STIs. Most individuals are often asymptomatic, contributing to the lack of diagnosis. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis infection at different anatomical sites among young MSM in the municipality of Vitória da Conquista (BA) and to evaluate associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted with young MSM aged 15 to 24 years. Recruitment was through respondent-driven sampling (RDS) technique. Demographic data and biological samples (anal, urethral, and oral swabs) were collected at a reference center for STIs. NG and CT detection were performed using molecular diagnosis (qPCR). Associations between outcome variables and explanatory variables were estimated using Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test and Poisson regression, with estimation of prevalence ratios (PR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Data analysis was weighted using Gile's estimator, using survey design in Stata software. The prevalence of NG was found to be 8.1%. When analyzing prevalence by site, a higher prevalence was observed at the anal site (6.7%) compared to urethral and oral sites (3.2% and 2.3% respectively). For CT, the prevalence was 8.5%, with oral prevalence of 4.6%, anal of 3.0%, and urethral of 1.4%. N. gonorrhoeae was associated with homosexual orientation and group sex. C. trachomatis showed association with ages 15 to 19 years and reporting three or more partners in the last 3 months. Significant prevalences of STIs were observed at all anatomical sites, especially in extragenital sites, emphasizing the importance of testing at different sites. The associations found suggest the need for interventions in this population, such as biomedical interventions and implementation of educational measures, especially among this younger audience.