The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released updated sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis cases continue to increase. These guidelines provide current evidence-based diagnostic, management, and treatment recommendations, and serve as a source of clinical guidance for managing sexually transmitted infections.

Notable updates to the previous 2015 guidance include:
• 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).
• Information on FDA-cleared diagnostic tests for Mycoplasma genitalium and rectal and pharyngeal chlamydia and gonorrhea.
• Expanded risk factors for syphilis testing among pregnant women.
• Recommended two-step serologic testing for diagnosing genital herpes simplex virus.
• Aligned recommendations for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
• Recommended universal hepatitis C testing in alignment with CDC’s 2020 hepatitis C testing recommendations.

Reference: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Vol. 70, No. 29. July 23, 2021.