Clinical Practice Alert: Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Screening and Treatment

June 20, 2019

Rates of sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and gonorrhea (GC) have reached an all-time high. In the U.S., California leads the nation in reported cases of these STDs. Because persons with CT and GC are often asymptomatic, screening is essential for the early detection and treatment that can prevent reproductive complications including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), tubal infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain in females and epididymitis in males.

This webinar covers current clinical guidelines for routine and targeted screening, treatment, follow-up, and prevention of CT and GC.

Learning objectives:

  1. Understand current guidelines for screening for CT and GC among sexually active women and men
  2. List the indications for anorectal and oropharyngeal CT/GC screening
  3. Explain when test-of-cure is indicated
  4. Identify the proper ICD-10 codes for lab requests and billing information

Presenters:

Resources:

STD Expert Hour Webinar – Vaginitis Cases

May 15, 2019

Dr. Caroline Mitchell covers the following learning objectives for this webinar:

  1. Describe the normal vaginal milieu and changes that are associated with vaginal pathology, to better diagnose and treat vaginal infections
  2. Discuss the most common causes of vaginitis, to reduce infectiousness and decrease transmission
  3. Summarize the current treatment guidelines for vaginitis, to ensure appropriate treatment and follow-up testing

Extragenital Screening

Extragenital Screening

Don’t forget to swab! Among men who have sex with men, 84% of gonorrhea and chlamydia infections would be missed with urine-only screening1. Make sure your clients are screened for gonorrhea and chlamydia of the throat and rectum.

3 cotton swabs
What:Extragenital Screening for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia
Where:Rectum and throat
Who:Men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women, people living with HIV, and people on PrEP who report having receptive anal and/or oral sex
When:At least annually, or every 3 to 6 months as needed based on exposure
Why:  When urine-only screening is performed, up to 90% of rectal gonorrhea and 77% of rectal chlamydia infections remain untreated1. HIV-negative men diagnosed with rectal infections are excellent candidates for PrEP, because they have a high risk of HIV infection
How: Swab specimen (self or clinician-collected swab)

The California Prevention Training Center supports clinics and providers in implementing rectal and pharyngeal STI screening.

For more information, contact us.

  1. Marcus JL, Bernstein KT, Kohn RP, Liska S, Philip SS. Infections missed by urethral-only screening for chlamydia or gonorrhea detection among men who have sex with men. Sexually transmitted diseases. 2011 Oct 1;38(10):922-4.

STD Expert Hour Webinar – Sexual History Taking

February 6, 2019

Yvonne Piper RN, FNP covers the following learning objectives for this webinar:

  1. Describe 5 key components of a routine sexual history to reduce infectiousness and decrease STD/HIV transmission
  2. Demonstrate respectful, non-judgmental communication skills to discuss sexual practices, sexual risks, and risk reduction strategies with patients
  3. Understand effective methods of dialogue with patients regarding issues of sexual history and sexual behaviors, to improve communication with patients and patient outcomes
  4. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of open-ended and closed questions to enhance sexual history taking

Extragenital Screening Resources

Extragenital Screening Resources

Extragenital (rectum and throat) gonorrhea and chlamydia screening resources for providers, clinics, and patients. 

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Secondary Syphilis Patient Evaluation Algorithm

Secondary Syphilis Patient Evaluation Algorithm

Algorithm to evaluate patients for secondary syphilis. Includes sexual history taking and physical exam, diagnostic work-up, treatment and follow-up, and reporting and partner management. 

various microscopic images of pathogens

Primary Syphilis Patient Evaluation Algorithm

Primary Syphilis Patient Evaluation Algorithm

Algorithm to assist in evaluating patients for primary syphilis.

various microscopic images of pathogens

STD Expert Hour Webinar – Genital Herpes

April 10, 2018

Dr. Kim Erlich covers the following learning objectives for this webinar:

  1. Describe common and unusual clinical features seen in patients with genital herpes, to improve diagnosis and management
  2. Discuss effective counseling strategies, to aid in reducing herpes transmission
  3. Describe current and future treatment options, to control symptoms, reduce outbreaks, and help prevent herpes transmission

Stop the Hidden Epidemic: Five Steps to Prevent and Treat HIV, HCV, and STDs Among People Experiencing Homelessness

Stop the Hidden Epidemic: Five Steps to Prevent and Treat HIV, HCV, and STDs Among People Experiencing Homelessness

Five steps to prevent and treat HIV, HCV, and STDs among people experiencing homelessness. Steps involve PrEP, trauma-informed care, and emergency stabilization and shelter options. 

Capacity-Building Assistance for HIV Prevention

Capacity-Building Assistance for HIV Prevention

Provides capacity-building assistance, services, and resources that have been instrumental in HIV prevention, from the San Francisco Department of Public Health.