Theme A: Overview - Understanding risk and risk reduction for sexually transmitted infections and blood borne viruses

The overarching strategy of this theme is to use behavioural, clinical and molecular data to: profile transmission networks of STIs, BBVs and associated AMR/AVR; understand the characteristics that facilitate and sustain epidemics in sexual networks; and guide development of tailored, timely and... Read more...

Theme B: Overview - Reducing the burden of undiagnosed STIs and BBVs

The overarching strategy of this theme is to develop and evaluate evidence-based STI/BBV interventions and diagnostic/laboratory tools to reach undiagnosed individuals.

The asymptomatic nature of some STI/BBVs means that a high proportion of affected people remain undiagnosed, resulting in... Read more...

Theme B: Project 1: Assessment of the feasibility of an offer of sexual health testing in routine general practice

The central aim of our research is to inform the development of interventions that will facilitate effective and efficient early access to care and treatment for STIs, thus reducing morbidity, mortality and transmission of STIs.

We are currently conducting a systematic appraisal of the... Read more...

Theme B: Project 2: Estimation of serconversion probabilities associated with treated/untreated and repeated chlamydial infections and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and their durability

The aim of this project is to assess the utility of novel tests that measure antibodies to chlamydia in evaluating chlamydia control. 

This will be achieved by the collection and serological characterisation of serum (blood) samples from women with and without diagnoses of chlamydia and/or its... Read more...

Theme B: Project 3: Assessing the feasibility of testing for BBVs in AE

The aim of this project is to assess the feasibility of introducing routine testing for BBVs in Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments. 

This will be achieved through assessing best models of practice derived from evidence reviews, qualitative and seroprevalence studies. A systematic... Read more...

Theme C: Overview - Improving the care and management of people with STIs and BBVs

The overarching strategy of this theme is to identify, understand and manage factors influencing uptake of healthcare interventions, continuity-in-care and outcomes in persons with STIs/BBVs.

The strategy will address UK Government ambitions for the control of STIs/BBVs, including elimination... Read more...

Theme C: Project 1: Mapping the CoC for BBV through data linkage

As part of the project, the Sentinel Surveillance of BBV Virus Testing Database (Denom), of all individuals undergoing testing for hepatitis A, B, C, D and E, HIV and HTLV, held at Public Health England, will be linked to a variety of established health databases.

These linkages will inform the... Read more...

Theme C: Project 2: The Pathways Project A qualitative longitudinal study of HIV treatment and care

The 'Cascade of Care' represents population-level access to and engagement in HIV testing, care and treatment, showing the percentage of people estimated to be living with HIV who are diagnosed, linked to HIV services, retained in care, receiving anti-retroviral treatment (ART), and have an... Read more...

Theme C: Project 3: Molecular Characterisation Investigations

Data from enhanced molecular characterisation studies on newly acquired and persistent HIV, HBV, and HCV infections have demonstrated the viral diversity and resistance mutations circulating in infected populations which impact on patient management and control policies.

Phylogenetic analyses... Read more...