Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of individuals at risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The CDC updated the guidelines after consultation with a group of professionals knowledgeable in the field of STDs who met in Atlanta on April 18-30, 2009. The data updates the 2006 Guidelines for Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (MMWR 2006;55[No. RR-11]).

Included in the updated guidelines is new information about 1) the expanded diagnostic evaluation for cervicitis and trichomoniasis; 2) new treatment recommendations for bacterial vaginosis and genital warts; 3) the clinical efficacy of azithromycin for chlamydial infections in pregnancy; 4) the role of Mycoplasma genitalium and trichomoniasis in urethritis/cervicitis and treatment-related implications; 5) lymphogranuloma venereum proctocolitis among men who have sex with men; 6) the criteria for spinal fluid examination to evaluate for neurosyphilis; 7) the emergence of azithromycin-resistant Treponema pallidum; 8) the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae; 9) the sexual transmission of hepatitis C; 10) diagnostic evaluation after sexual assault; and 11) STD prevention approaches.

For information about STD testing offered by MPLN, contact a client service specialist at 800.932.2943.