Screening for Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Abstract

This article discusses sexually transmitted infections (STI) screening and focuses on reportable STIs. This includes gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus. Hepatitis B and C, trichomonas, and herpes are covered as well. Recommendations are summarized from the various organizations that produce screening recommendations. These screening recommendations only apply to asymptomatic individuals. Once an individual has symptoms, testing becomes diagnostic. It is important to know the prevalence of STIs within your population. If you work in a population with a high prevalence of a specific disease, you may want to screen regardless of the recommendations.

Keywords: Chlamydia; Gonorrhea; HIV; Sexually transmitted disease screening; Sexually transmitted infection screening; Syphilis.