Dear Colleagues,

Today the CDC released the long awaited Sexually Transmitted Infection Treatment Guidelines, 2021. Dr. Christine Johnson, Medical Program Director at the UW STD Prevention Training Center, has highlighted some key takeaways below.

The Oregon AETC is available as a resource to provide trainings for clinical teams, offer clinical consultation, or check in with providers one-on-one to talk through questions. Email info@oraetc.org or visit our website to connect.

Greetings,

The CDC has just released Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. This document provides current evidence-based diagnostic, management, and treatment recommendations, and serves as a source of clinical guidance for managing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 
Main STI Diagnostic, Treatment, and Management Updates for Providers 
The new guidelines include notable updates from the previous 2015 guidance, including: 

  • Updated treatment recommendations for chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. 
  • Updated treatment recommendations for uncomplicated gonorrhea in neonates, children, and other specific clinical situations (e.g., proctitis, epididymitis, sexual assault), which builds on broader treatment changes published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 
  • Information on FDA-cleared diagnostic tests for Mycoplasma genitalium and rectal and pharyngeal chlamydia and gonorrhea. 
  • Expanded risk factors for syphilis testing among pregnant patients. 
  • Recommended two-step serologic testing for diagnosing genital herpes simplex virus. 
  • Harmonized recommendations for human papillomavirus vaccination with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. 
  • Recommended universal hepatitis C testing in alignment with CDC’s 2020 hepatitis C testing recommendations. 
 
STIs are common and costly. With 26 million new STIs occurring each year, totaling nearly $16 billion in medical costs, evidence-based prevention, diagnostic, and treatment recommendations are critical to STI control efforts now more than ever. 
 
During the COVID-19 pandemic, CDC provided guidance for the disruption of STI clinical services, focusing on syndromic management and STI screening approaches to maximize the number of people with STIs identified and treated, while prioritizing those most likely to experience complications. However, most drug and testing kit shortages have since resolved and many health care providers are returning to normal clinical practices, which includes conducting STI evaluation and management in accordance with CDC Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. 
 
Provider Resources for STIs 
 
You can stay informed on the latest STI recommendations and clinical guidance with CDC and partner resources which include:
 
  • High-quality printable copies of the wall chart, pocket guide, and MMWR, which are available for download now on the STD website. A limited number of free copies will be available for order through CDC-INFO On Demand in the coming weeks. 
  • Training and technical assistance, which are available through the National Network of STD Clinical Prevention Training Centers. 
  • STD clinical consultation services, which are available through the STD Clinical Consultation Network. 
  • Free continuing education credits (CME and CNE), which are available through the National STD Curriculum. 
  • Recommendations for Providing Quality STD Clinical Services (or STD QCS), which complement the STI treatment guidelines, focusing on managing clinical operations. 
  • An updated STI Treatment Guidelines mobile app, which is in development and is expected to launch in the coming months. NOTE: The 2015 STD Treatment Guidelines app will be retired at the end of July 2021. CDC is finalizing an interim, mobile-friendly solution – please visit STI Treatment Guidelines (cdc.gov) for information, as it becomes available. 
 
You can also find additional information and resources on our website: https://www.uwptc.org/ 
 
For questions about the updated 2021 STI Treatment Guidelines, you can email the Clinical Team in CDC’s Division of STD Prevention at stitxguidelines@cdc.gov. You can also contact us at UWPTC@uw.edu, or 206-685-9850. 

Thank you for your commitment to improving the sexual health and wellness of our constituents, neighbors, families and friends. 
Sincerely, 
 
Christine Johnston, MD, MPH, FIDSA 
Associate Professor 
Associate Program Director, Infectious Diseases Fellowship Training Program 
Division of Allergy & Infectious Diseases 
Medical Director, UW STD Prevention Training Center
University of Washington School of Medicine 
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University of Washington STD Prevention Training Center
STI Treatment Guidelines

STI Treatment Guidelines Update CDC's Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Treatment Guidelines, 2021 provides current evidence-based prevention, diagnostic and treatment recommendations that replace the 2015 guidance. The recommendations are...

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