Participants sought: How PrEPared are you? HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

Participants sought for attitudes to PrEP use

How PrEPared are you? Overseas born gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and their attitudes toward PrEP and PrEP use in Australia are invited to participate in a study on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.

The purpose of the study is to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) as reported by newly arrived (have been in Australian for less than 5 years) gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). 

Study reveals need to strengthen sexual health services for PrEP users

Dr Jason Ong, lead author
on the JAMA paper

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) – taking antiretroviral drugs to protect people from acquiring HIV infection – is revolutionising the prevention of HIV around the world. However, a global study led by Monash University in Australia and supported by the World Health Organisation has shown that people who are seeking PrEP to prevent HIV are also at high risk of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The authors of the paper argue that PrEP services could be an ideal place to test for, prevent and treat both HIV and other STIs.

2019 CCS research highlights: Department of Infectious Diseases

L-R: A/Prof Edwina Wright, Prof Anton Peleg

Monash University's Central Clinical School is at the cutting edge of medical research in national and international arenas. We are publishing a series of our research highlights from across 2019.

In this article, we feature a highlight from the Department of Infectious Diseases.

• PrEPX study highlights need for greater STI testing
• Researchers crack superbug’s strategy for survival

Monash research aired at major HIV conference

Jason presenting in Mexico City. Photo by Roger Pebody.

Melbourne Sexual Health Centre's Associate Professor Jason Ong recently delivered an address about his research into PrEP and STIs at the 10th International IAS conference on HIV Science, on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO).

A/Prof Ong conducted a systematic review for WHO on STI incidence and prevalence in PrEP programmes, incorporating 88 studies. PrEP or pre-exposure prophylaxis involves HIV-negative people taking medications to stop them acquiring HIV. However, researchers, clinicians and public health policy makers have raised concerns over the role of PrEP which, while preventing HIV, facilitates the risk for STIs. STIs are increasing globally.

PrEPX Study reveals increase in STIs

A/Prof Edwina Wright, Principal Investigator of the recent PrEPX study

A recent study of men using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has explored the changes in sexually transmitted infection (STI) incidence following initiation of the preventative treatment.  The data collated from almost 3000 participants in the PrEPX study revealed a 20% increase in STI rates. Interestingly, condom use did not play a part in acquiring an STI when using PrEP, despite being an initial concern for those commencing the treatment. Instead, participants reporting higher numbers of sex partners and participation in group sex were at a greater risk.