Rapid Response

Time to Expand Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Screening With Retesting for Those With Previously Positive Results

Authors: Rohit Talwani, MD, Wayne A. Duffus, MD, PhD

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhea are a major public health problem in the United States (US).1 However, the number of reported cases underestimates the true prevalence of these STIs, as many cases can be asymptomatic2 and often occur in populations who either have limited access to or do not seek care. In addition, the current passive reporting system entails providers and laboratories submitting reports of only positive cases to their state and local health departments. Individual providers should avoid delays in reporting, and local policies should change so as to capture negative test results, which give a true denominator.

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References

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