Comparison of two Gram stain point-of-care systems for urogenital gonorrhoea among high-risk patients: diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness before and after changing the screening algorithm at an STI clinic in Amsterdam.

OBJECTIVES: To compare point-of-care (POC) systems in two different periods: (1) before 2010 when all high-risk patients were offered POC management for urogenital gonorrhoea by Gram stain examination; and (2) after 2010 when only those with symptoms were offered Gram stain examination. METHODS: Retrospective comparison of a Gram stain POC system to all high-risk patients (2008-2009) with only those with urogenital symptoms (2010-2011) on diagnostic accuracy, loss to follow-up, presumptively and correctly treated infections and diagnostic costs. Culture was the reference diagnostic method. RESULTS: In men the sensitivity of the Gram stain was 95.9% (95% CI 93.1% to 97.8%) in 2008-2009 and 95.4% (95% CI 93.7% to 96.8%) in 2010-2011, and in women the sensitivity was 32.0% (95% CI 19.5% to 46.7%) and 23.1% (95% CI 16.1% to 31.3%), respectively. In both periods the overall specificity was high (99.9% (95% CI 99.8% to 100%) and 99.8% (95% CI 99.7% to 99.9%), respectively). The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) before and after 2010 were also high: PPV 97.0% (95% CI 94.5% to 98.5%) and 97.7% (95% CI 96.3% to 98.6%), respectively; NPV 99.6% (95% CI 99.4% to 99.7%) and 98.8% (95% CI 98.5% to 99.0%), respectively. There were no differences between the two time periods in loss to follow-up (7.1% vs 7.0%). Offering Gram stains only to symptomatic high-risk patients as opposed to all high-risk patients saved €2.34 per correctly managed consultation (a reduction of 7.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity of the Gram stain is high in men but low in women. When offered only to high-risk patients with urogenital symptoms, the cost per correctly managed consultation is reduced by 7.7% without a significant difference in accuracy and loss to follow-up.

Time to manage Mycoplasma genitalium as an STI: but not with azithromycin 1 g!

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted infection that causes significant morbidity in men and women and is a co-factor in HIV transmission. However, commercial diagnostic tests are not generally available for M. genitalium and sub-optimal treatment is often given. We review the literature on the burden of infection, how it may present in clinical practice and the effectiveness of current treatment regimens. RECENT FINDINGS: In-vivo and in-vitro data strongly suggest that M. genitalium is an important cause of urethritis, cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease and potentially asymptomatic proctitis. Studies now consistently demonstrate suboptimal eradication rates with the current treatment regimens recommended first line for the treatment of nongonococcal urethritis. Concurrently, there has been a rapid emergence of antibiotic resistance in M. genitalium, with macrolide resistance now appearing to be endemic in some centres, and quinolone resistance is beginning to emerge. SUMMARY: In the absence of specific M. genitalium diagnostic and antimicrobial resistance testing, azithromycin 1 g should not be used for the management of patients with symptomatic disease potentially caused by M. genitalium. This review offers an alternative evidence-based approach to managing such patients that should, theoretically, reduce the risk of the development of antimicrobial resistance.

Preventing infective complications relating to induced abortion.

Infective complications following induced abortions are still a common cause of morbidity and mortality. This review focusses on defining the strategies to improve care of women seeking an induced abortion and to reduce infective complications. We have considered the evidence for screening and cost-effectiveness for antibiotic prophylaxis. Current evidence suggests that treating all women with prophylactic antibiotics in preference to screening and treating is the most cost-effective way of reducing infective complications following induced abortions. The final strategy to prevent infective complications should be individualized for each region/area depending on the prevalence of organisms causing pelvic infections and the resources available.

STD, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis services in Illinois County Jails.

OBJECTIVE: : To assess the availability of STD, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis services provided at Illinois adult county jails. GOAL: : Identify opportunities and barriers to service provision. STUDY DESIGN: : Telephone survey to those providing medical services in Illinois county jails. RESULTS: : Eighty-one (89%) of 91 Illinois jails responded. Half (49.3%) of the facilities offered on-site testing for STD, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis on demand/with symptoms, although only 4 offered routine screening. Discharge planning services were offered in only 40% of facilities. Cost (43.2%) and limited staff (14.8%) were cited as primary barriers to service provision. CONCLUSIONS: : Screening, treatment, and discharge planning services for STD, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis are not universal in Illinois jails. Despite current levels of funding and staffing assistance from health departments to jails, further collaboration is needed to improve case identification and treatment in this high-risk population. Needs assessments are useful in identifying opportunities and barriers to service provision.

[Chlamydia trachomatis infections--a time for action?]. / Chlamydia-trachomatis-Infektionen--Zeit zum Handeln?

Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the world. In women it mainly occurs before the age of 25 years, while in men it can still be diagnosed till the age of 35 years. In Western Europe the prevalence of a Chlamydia trachomatis infection has been estimated, according to WHO data, as between 2.7% (Italy) and 8.0% (Island). A general screening strategy is now being discussed in Germany. A non-diagnosed and non-treated Chlamydia trachomatis infection and the resulting health problems have not only severe consequences for the individual but also results in major epidemiological and socio-economic public health problems. This issue is not only of extreme importance in health policy, but has also a major impact in family policy, especially in view of the declining birth rates and the demographic changes.

Why do we need quality-assured diagnostic tests for sexually transmitted infections?

The bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia can all be cured with a single dose of antibiotic. Unfortunately, however, these infections often remain undiagnosed as many infected individuals have few if any symptoms. Diagnostic tests with high sensitivity and specificity are available for all three infections but, owing to their expense and the lack of laboratory capacity, most people in developing countries do not have access to these tests. There is a great need for simple, cheap diagnostic tests for STIs that can be performed at the point of care, enabling treatment to be given immediately. It is hoped that recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of these infections, and the availability of the complete genome sequences for each causative organism, will lead to the development of improved point-of-care tests that will reduce the burden of these diseases in developing countries.

Physicians' opinions on partner management for nonviral sexually transmitted infections.

BACKGROUND: Patient-delivered therapy (PDT) for nonviral sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is the practice of dispensing or prescribing medication to patients for their sex partners. While this practice is effective in preventing re-infection in patients, its use is not widespread. The purpose of this survey was to assess physicians' PDT practices and opinions toward potential benefits and perceived barriers associated with PDT. METHODS: During 2003 and 2004, a random sample of family and general practitioners, internists, emergency medicine physicians, and obstetricians/gynecologists in Connecticut and Rhode Island were mailed surveys and responses were analyzed. RESULTS: A response rate of 53% was obtained. Approximately 50% of 111 respondents reported having ever used PDT, although a much smaller proportion (6%) reported using it frequently. Potential benefits cited by many physicians included preventing the spread of STI (83%), reinforcing need for partner treatment (78%), and prevention of re-infection in the patient (63%). However, many perceived barriers were also noted, including difficulty ensuring delivery of medication to the partner (96%), concern about adverse reactions in partners (88%), liability (75%), and missed opportunities for other clinical services (68%). Half of all respondents said that they would support legislation to authorize PDT. CONCLUSIONS: The use of PDT is not widespread; physicians recognize the benefits of PDT but many concerns were also noted. A growing body of research indicates that several perceived barriers may be largely unsubstantiated. Therefore, dispelling physician concerns and defining the legal environment surrounding PDT might encourage physicians to use PDT when it is clinically indicated, thereby preventing re-infection in patients and further spread in the community.

A randomized controlled trial of azithromycin versus doxycycline/ciprofloxacin for the syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections in a resource-poor setting.

A randomized controlled trial was carried out to assess the effectiveness of azithromycin versus a standard regimen with doxycycline/ciprofloxacin in the treatment of sexually transmitted infections in a resource-poor environment. Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis was cured in 23/24 (95.8%) of women in the azithromycin arm versus 19/21 (90.5%) in the doxycycline arm (P = 0.6), resulting in three treatment failures. Gonorrhoea was cured in 55/56 (98.2%) women, with one treatment failure in a patient with concomitant C. trachomatis infection. These results indicate that a single oral dose of azithromycin may prove to be a more effective and convenient treatment for sexually transmitted infections in women in a resource-poor environment

Urethritis treatment.

This article reviews most common sexually transmitted causes of urethritis in men. Outlined are clinical presentation, approach, diagnostic work-up, and treatment for the most common pathogens, as well as the cost issues related to antibiotic therapy. Common management problems in urethritis are also discussed.

The value of new antimicrobial agents.

New antimicrobial agents require careful assessment to determine whether they possess the appropriate properties for clinical use. Many new compounds of value in the prophylaxis and therapy of infections have been included in the current armamentarium. Close monitoring to identify possible adverse effects of new agents is essential. Alternative uses of older agents also expands therapeutic opportunities in the combat against infectious diseases. Inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents contributes to the worldwide problem of increasing bacterial resistance. The dramatic spread of such bacterial strains is partially responsible for the rising costs of infectious diseases. A rational and strict antibiotic policy is thus of great importance for the optimal use of these agents.

The quinolone antibiotics.

The fluorinated quinolones are synthetic derivatives of nalidixic acid. They are well absorbed when administered orally and have an extended duration of action. They are of primary value in treating gonorrhea and complicated urinary tract infections in nonpregnant women.

Erythromycin.

Even with the continuing emergence of new antibiotics, erythromycin continues to be used extensively in obstetrics and gynecology. It is inexpensive, with a long history of usage and proven safety. When oral erythromycin preparations are given in the correct dose and with proper timing in relation to meals, no individual preparation offers a significant therapeutic advantage. Its uses include the treatment of respiratory tract infections, chlamydial and other genital tract infections in pregnancy, puerperal mastitis, and acute conjunctivitis of the newborn.