Chlamydia & Gonorrhea

What organism causes chlamydia?

Chlamydia trachomatis (gram-negative intracellular pathogen).

What organism causes gonorrhea?

Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gram-negative diplococcus bacterium).

What are the major risk factors for chlamydia and gonorrhea?

Women, MSM, adolescents/young adults (<25), correctional facility populations, sexual assault victims, new or multiple partners, needle sharing, substance use, and inconsistent condom use.

What is the most common infection site in men?

Urethra (urethritis).

What is the most common infection site in women?

Cervix (cervicitis).

Why are women often asymptomatic?

The cervix lacks the pain-sensitive nerves found in the male urethra.

What are common symptoms in men?

Dysuria and urethral discharge.

What are common symptoms in women?

Mucopurulent drainage, dysuria, bleeding, dyspareunia, and increased vaginal discharge.

Why do men usually seek treatment sooner?

Symptoms are more obvious and painful.

What is the preferred diagnostic test?

NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test).

What complications occur in men?

Epididymitis and infertility.

What complications occur in women?

PID, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain.

What eye complication can occur?

Adult Inclusion Conjunctivitis (AIC).

What is first-line treatment for chlamydia?

Doxycycline (Vibramycin).

Important teaching for doxycycline?

Take on an empty stomach, avoid dairy/iron/antacids, remain upright, avoid excessive sunlight.

What is first-line treatment for gonorrhea?

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin).

What teaching helps prevent reinfection?

Abstain from sex during treatment and for 1 week after treatment, and ensure all partners are treated.

What is Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT)?

Providing medication for sexual partners without examining them.

Which STI is the most commonly reported in the U.S.?

Chlamydia

Which STI is known as "The Great Imitator"?

Syphilis

Which STI is lifelong and incurable but treatable?

Genital Herpes (HSV)

Which STI causes genital warts and can lead to cervical cancer?

HPV

Which laboratory test is preferred for diagnosing chlamydia and gonorrhea?

NAAT

Which STI requires reporting to public health authorities?

Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and HIV

What is the priority teaching for all STIs?

Complete treatment, notify/treat partners, and avoid sexual activity until treatment is completed.