Innovative approaches to the prevention and control of bacterial sexually transmitted infections

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2005 Jun;19(2):513-40. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2005.03.004.

Abstract

Bacterial STI continues to be a major problem in developed nations. Research and evolving standards of public health practice are cause for optimism and concern. Innovations in case-finding and treatment, particularly the application of NAATs to test for chlamydial infection in nonclinical settings, are successes that merit more widespread application. EPT, selective STI screening in men, and rescreening are all promising, but are not yet in widespread use and may face significant operational barriers. To date, public health efforts to alter sexual behavior, at least through specific interventions, are more discouraging. Although some behavioral interventions have been effective, none has been widely instituted. Moreover, the likelihood that existing behavioral interventions will be widely applied seems remote. Future research efforts in this area will need to focus less on proof-of-concept efficacy trials and more on developing and testing sustainable, cost-effective interventions that focus on those at greatest risk and that can be scaled-up within the existing public health infrastructure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Condoms
  • Female
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Psychotherapy, Group / organization & administration*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial / diagnosis
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial / drug therapy
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents