Should we screen heterosexuals for extra-genital chlamydial and gonococcal infections?. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Garner, Anna L; Schembri, Gabriel; Cullen, Thomas; Lee, Vincent
• Is Part Of: International journal of STD & AIDS. Volume 26:Number 7(2015:Jul.)
• Page Start: 462
• Page End: 466
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: Heterosexual -- screening -- chlamydia -- gonorrhoea -- sexually transmitted infection -- extra-genital infection -- rectal -- throat -- pharyngeal -- women; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Periodicals; 616.951
• DOI: 10.1177/0956462414543120
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-4624

Abstract

Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) are two of the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infections in the UK. Although the high burden of extra-genital infections with GC and CT in men who have sex with men has been well established, a significant number of extra-genital site infections with CT and GC could similarly be present in heterosexual women. For this reason we started to routinely offer extra-genital site testing for GC and CT in all patients attending our sexual health clinic who reported having had receptive anal sex and/or giving oral sex. This followed a review of current evidence by the clinical team and a change in local testing policy. This study not only confirmed a large reservoir of extra-genital infection amongst men who have sex with men, but also demonstrates that a comparable reservoir of extra-genital infection is present amongst heterosexual women. Our study adds to the mounting evidence that extra-genital site testing in heterosexual women should occur when oral or anal sexual activity is reported.