CIRCUMCISION AND HIV

Debate rages as to the suitability of male circumcision as a preventative public health measure despite strong evidence suggesting it can be protective against HIV infection. Bearing this in mind, researchers elected to study the social acceptability of circumcision in Botswana, Southern Africa, which has a high rate of the disease. They found that it was highly acceptable to the study group and that the vast majority would definitely or probably circumcise a male child if the service was offered for free at a hospital. The authors now recommend “shifting the discussion to the medical realm”, to best serve those who would like circumcision services available to them or their children. (

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CHLAMYDIA TESTING DIFFERS FROM EPIDEMIOLOGY

The known epidemiology of genital chlamydia infection is not reflected by current testing practice at primary care level in the UK. Researchers gathered the number of tests and results for each general practice in Nottingham Health District and matched them to practice characteristics. They found that most tests were performed in women over the age of 25 but the most positive results were found in 15–19 year olds, followed by 19–24 year olds. Incidence was highest in more socioeconomically deprived areas, which could not be …