Updated recommendations for the treatment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Treponema pallidum (‎syphilis)‎ and new recommendations on syphilis testing and partner services

Overview

The objectives of these present guidelines are:

• to provide updated evidence-informed guidance on treating infections caused by N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis and treating syphilis infection during pregnancy;
• to provide recommendations on syphilis testing, specifically on the use of dual treponemal/nontreponemal RDTs and syphilis self-testing as additional options for STI services;
• to provide recommendations on STI partner services; and
• to support countries and national programmes in updating their national guidelines with a view to reaching the 2030 global health sector strategy targets on STIs.

These guidelines are intended for policy-makers, programme managers, health workers and any other public health professionals responsible for planning or implementing STI services (stand-alone or integrated with other health services). These guidelines will also be a resource for donor and development agencies as well as international, nongovernmental, civil society and community-based organizations, and those working with or led by key populations and the communities affected the most by STIs, including HIV.

Note: Please refer to the 2016 WHO guidelines for the treatment of Treponema pallidum (syphilis) for the treament recommendations for syphilis in other populations. For syphilis testing algorithms in pregnancy, please refer to the WHO guideline on syphilis screening and treatment for pregnant women published in 2017.