Doxycycline, a commonly prescribed antibiotic, has shown promising results as a preventive measure for STIs (sexually transmitted infection) such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. In Canada, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) and trans women are disproportionately impacted by sexually transmitted infections. Various research studies in gbMSM, trans women, and people living with HIV (PLHIV) have demonstrated efficacy of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy PEP) for preventing bacterial STIs, with an estimated reduction in overall STI rates around 70 percent in populations taking doxy PEP. However, doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis did not show clinical efficacy in cisgender women. These uses raise questions about antimicrobial resistance, its impact on the gut microbiome, and its lack of efficacy in cisgender women. In this Rounds presentation, presenters will explore research on doxy-PEP and various vital considerations for this STI prevention strategy.
Intended audience: Medical Officers of Health (MOHs) and Associate Medical Officers of Health (AMOHs), public health physicians, primary care physicians, public health nurses, pharmacists, community health workers, public health staff working in the field of sexually transmissible and blood-borne infections (STBBI) and researchers.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Interpret research studies on the efficacy of doxy-PEP for STI prevention
- Describe the benefits versus risks of doxy-PEP in gbMSM, trans women, and PLHIV
- Discuss how to implement access and facilitate removing barriers for sexual health discussions
- Develop competencies in prescribing doxy-PEP for gbMSM, trans women, and PLHIV based on CDC recommendations
Presenter(s): Dr. Jordan Goodridge and Devan Nambiar
Dr. Jordan Goodridge, MD, is a lecturer in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto and a course director at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. He works as a family physician with a specific focus on 2SLGBTQ+ Health and HIV primary care. He has a strong interest in medical education, particularly in areas such as sexual health, HIV primary care, and gender-affirming healthcare. In addition, he co-authored the ‘Sexual Health’ chapter in the textbook, “Caring for LGBTQ2S People: A Clinical Guide, Second Edition” (2022).
Devan Nambiar, MSc., is the Manager of Capacity Building & Talent Development at Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance. He has worked in the health care sector for over 22 years. Devan has provided education and training on HIV care, treatment, and 2SLGBTQI+ clinical and cultural competencies to health care and social service providers. He has also developed various CME trainings for physicians, and currently serves on six committees, including co-chair of two HIV research studies.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.
Accreditation
Public Health Ontario Rounds are a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). In order to receive written documentation for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, please check “Yes” beside the question “Do you require CME credits?” on the registration form.
College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Affiliate Members may count RCPSC credits toward their Mainpro+ credit requirements. All other CFPC members may claim up to 50 Certified credits per cycle for participation in RCPSC MOC Section 1 accredited activities.
PHO Rounds are also approved by the Council of Professional Experience for professional development hours (PDHs) for members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).
For more information or for a record of registration for other Continuing Education purposes, please contact capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.
Accessibility
Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.
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