New Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines

http://www.hivdent.org/

New guidelines for the treatment of patients who have sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have been released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after consultation with a group of professionals knowledgeable in the field of STDs who met in Atlanta on September 26-28, 2000. These new guidelines update the 1998 Guidelines for Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (MMWR 998;47[No. RR-1]).

Included in the updated guidelines are new alternative regimens for scabies, bacterial vaginosis, early syphilis, and granuloma inguinale; an expanded section on the diagnosis of genital herpes (including type-specific serologic tests); new recommendations for treatment of recurrent genital herpes among persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); a revised approach to the management of victims of sexual assault; expanded regimens for the treatment of urethral meatal warts; and inclusion of hepatitis C as a sexually transmitted infection. In addition, the guidelines emphasize education and counseling for persons infected with human papillomavirus, clarify the diagnostic evaluation of congenital syphilis, and present information regarding the emergence of quinolone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae and implications for treatment. Recommendations also are provided for vaccine-preventable STDs, including hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

To access the guidelines go to: http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/default.htm