Chemsex Linked With Increased Diagnoses of HIV and Other STIs
Chemsex--the use of crystallised methamphetamine, mephedrone, γ-hydroxybutyrate or γ-butyrolactone and to a lesser extent cocaine and ketamine to facilitate sex--has emerged as a new phenomenon in the UK and across Europe among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). A new HIV Medicine study reveals that Chemsex disclosure in sexual health settings is associated with higher rates of new diagnoses of HIV, hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted infections.
For the study, researchers reviewed information on all GBMSM attending two London sexual health clinics over a 13 month period. Those who reported that they had participated in Chemsex were five times more likely to have a new diagnosis of HIV than those who had not participated in Chemsex.
Although it was not possible to determine if Chemsex causes HIV infection, the investigators note that use of drugs in sexual settings and alcohol has been linked with condomless anal sex and other behaviors predisposing to HIV transmission.
"These are the first published data clearly demonstrating a link between a new HIV diagnosis and Chemsex," said senior author Dr. Aseel Hegazi, of St. George's University Hospital Foundation Trust, in London. "At risk GBMSM participating in Chemsex should access prevention strategies such as pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, and there is a need to increase public awareness regarding the potential consequences of Chemsex."
Source: Wiley
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.
Beyond the Surface: Rethinking Environmental Hygiene Validation at Exchange25
June 30th 2025Environmental hygiene is about more than just shiny surfaces. At Exchange25, infection prevention experts urged the field to look deeper, rethink blame, and validate cleaning efforts across the entire care environment, not just EVS tasks.
A Controversial Reboot: New Vaccine Panel Faces Scrutiny, Support, and Sharp Divides
June 26th 2025As the newly appointed Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met for the first time under sweeping changes by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the national spotlight turned to the panel’s legitimacy, vaccine guidance, and whether science or ideology would steer public health policy in a polarized era.
