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Updates on Sexually Transmitted Infections: Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Syphilis Testing and Treatment in the Emergency Department

  • Infectious Disease (J Glauser, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review describes current guidelines and research on screening, diagnostics, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) seen in the emergency department (ED).

Recent Findings

Many studies support less invasive testing for STIs, which in turn would encourage increased screening. The diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is currently based on clinical findings and further research is needed to improve diagnostic accuracy. Current antibiotic treatment guidelines are based on numerous studies. Drug-resistant gonorrhea is an issue worldwide and alternative treatments are currently being evaluated.

Summary

Highly sensitive testing has allowed for noninvasive screening. Increased screening in the ED would identify more infections and potentially prevent complications of untreated infections. Diagnosis of PID still requires a full pelvic examination given that diagnosis is based on exam findings. Antibiotic resistance is on the rise and treatment guidelines should be strictly followed. Future vaccine and novel antibiotics are currently in randomized control trials.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance

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  1. Department of Emergency Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Sharon Tang

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Tang, S. Updates on Sexually Transmitted Infections: Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Syphilis Testing and Treatment in the Emergency Department. Curr Emerg Hosp Med Rep 6, 69–78 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40138-018-0160-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40138-018-0160-y

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