Promising approach to improve testing coverage for chlamydia and gonorrhoea

The WHO commissioned Eric Chow (left) and Jason Ong (right) to
 review alternative methods of STI testing from molecular methods.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 1 million new cases of curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day. 

As most STIs do not present with any symptoms, screening is critical for early detection and management to avoid the development of complications in the infected individuals and onward transmission to others. Testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea using molecular methods is costly, prohibiting its widespread use globally. There is a possibility to reduce testing costs if pooling samples from the same individual is feasible. 

Study reveals need to strengthen sexual health services for PrEP users

Dr Jason Ong, lead author
on the JAMA paper

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) – taking antiretroviral drugs to protect people from acquiring HIV infection – is revolutionising the prevention of HIV around the world. However, a global study led by Monash University in Australia and supported by the World Health Organisation has shown that people who are seeking PrEP to prevent HIV are also at high risk of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The authors of the paper argue that PrEP services could be an ideal place to test for, prevent and treat both HIV and other STIs.

Publication: Cost effectiveness of chlamydia screening for pregnant women aged 16-25 years attending an antenatal service

Image: sexetc.org

Is it worth testing all young pregnant women for chlamydia? This study argues that it is.

Using clinical data from a previous study, and outcomes data from the literature, the authors modelled the short-term perinatal (12-month time horizon) incremental direct costs and outcomes from a government (as the primary third-party funder) perspective for chlamydia screening. Costs were derived from the Medicare Benefits Schedule, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, and average cost-weights reported for hospitalisations classified according to the Australian refined diagnosis-related groups.

Review article: Chlamydia testing in general practice

As the cornerstone of Australian primary health care, general practice is a setting well suited for regular chlamydia testing, but testing rates remain low. This review examines the barriers and facilitators to chlamydia testing in general practice. While the barriers are well studied, many of the facilitators are not as well researched, and highlight areas for further study.

Reference: Yeung A, Temple-Smith M, Fairley C, Hocking J. Narrative review of the barriers and facilitators to chlamydia testing in general practice. Australian Journal of Primary Health Volume 21, Issue 2, 2015, Pages 139-147