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Herpes information

Clinic 275 information

HPV vaccine study

Clinical Trials & Research at Clinic 275

Part of our role at Clinic 275 is to conduct research into sexually transmitted disease.  This enables us to present up to date STD information to health professionals in South Australia. 

Participation in clinical trials by Clinic 275 enables our client population to have access to the recent advances in prevention and treatment of STD. It also offers clinic doctors an opportunity to become familiar with the latest advances in therapy so as to be able to better advise general practitioners.

Genital wart virus (Human papilloma virus)

 In the past, Clinic 275 has conducted research into genital wart treatments. Currently, we are investigating new approaches to genital warts, in the form of a Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine study.

Genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and are caused by the HPV. Genital warts can appear around the genitals or anus and some people may develop warts inside the body – in the vagina, rectum or urethra, these may be hard to see or recognise. Genital warts do not usually cause any pain or illness, but in some instances, genital warts can progress to cause cervical cancer in women. The presence of genital warts can change the way people feel about themselves and can affect their sex life.  

Treatment of genital warts can be a long, difficult and painful process and one way to tackle the virus is to increase the body’s immune reaction to the virus. 

Genital Herpes

 In the past, Clinic 275 has conducted research into genital herpes treatments and vaccines.

Transmission study abstract: Once-Daily Valaciclovir Reduces Transmission Of Genital Herpes

Transmission trials

Controlling the spread of herpes (HSV) is difficult due to the high proportion of asymptomatic infections, sub-clinical shedding of infectious viral particles and lack of a curative treatment. Drugs are available that effectively modify the course of herpes infection and may also help to reduce genital herpes transmission.

Recruitment was conducted June 2001 for HSV2AB3009, a study to determine whether suppressive therapy can reduce the transmission rate of genital herpes in heterosexual, HSV discordant couples.

 All couples have completed the Double-Blind phase of the study and four clients remain on the 12 month Extension Phase. The objective of the Extension Phase is to collect up to 20 months of safety data on source partners who successfully complete the Double-Blind phase of the study.

Research Projects

Visiting Fellow

At STD Services we are particularly keen to support those from overseas countries who wish to undertake further studies in venereology. During 2001, a research project was undertaken by Dr KAM Ariyaratne, a Visiting Fellow from Sri Lanka.

• A profile of HIV positive patients diagnosed in Clinic 275, Adelaide, SA, 1988-2000.

Medical Students from Flinders University in their fourth (final) year have the opportunity for a six week attachment to the STD clinic. As part of their assessment they may undertake an assignment in clinical audit focussing on the quality of care provided for a health problem.

Adelaide University Medical students undertake a research project for six weeks in their fourth year. The aim is to develop skills in independent learning, enquiry, observation, analysis and application of research techniques. 

2002

• Follow-up of clients with Chlamydia at Clinic 275 in 2001   John Welch

2001

During 2001 the following projects were undertaken: -

• Management of abnormal pap smears – Hannah Mendelson

• Management of documentation of genital herpes – Sofia Pejakovic

• Provision of post coital contraception at Clinic 275 – Scott Weinstein

• Epidemiology of Bacterial Vaginosis in STD clinic attenders – Kasey Wang

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B immunisation is one strategy to control the spread of hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B vaccination has been offered to particular client groups attending Clinic 275 for a number of years. Medical student, Kylie Fardell, conducted a retrospective audit to assess the hepatitis B vaccination system at Clinic 275. Results were published in the STD Control Branch Quarterly Surveillance Report, no. 11. January - March, 1999.

E-mail survey

Internet technology represents an important tool to facilitate communication between clients/health care organisations and doctor/doctor. Many clients of Clinic 275 change their address and/or phone number frequently. The objective of the study was to assess client e-mail access and use in order to develop a protocol to contact clients of Clinic 275 by electronic technology (e-mail) for client reminders, eg vaccination, Pap smear. 

Results can be found in Electronic mail received by STD Services, STD Services Quarterly Surveillance Report.

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