Guidelines for the management of asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections

Overview

WHO's global health sector strategies for HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) aim to reduce gonorrhoea and syphilis infections by 90% by 2030, emphasizing improved prevention, diagnostic, and treatment services. Addressing asymptomatic STIs is crucial, as many infections remain undetected, particularly in women and in non-urethral sites like the pharynx and rectum. The rising antimicrobial resistance in pathogens such as N. gonorrhoeae and M. genitalium complicates treatment, with ceftriaxone currently being the last effective option for gonorrhoea in many countries.

WHO’s new guidelines focus on managing asymptomatic STIs with evidence-based recommendations for screening N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis, complementing existing guidelines for syphilis, STI partner services, and symptomatic infections.

These guidelines also aim to support national health programs in reaching the 2030 targets and are intended for policy-makers, healthcare workers, and organizations involved in STI care and prevention. The recommendations were developed using the GRADE approach, with systematic reviews and expert evaluations ensuring their robustness.

[Embargo 9 Jul 9am ***IRIS handle 10665/381533 ****]