Revision of the National Guideline for First-Line Comprehensive Management and Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections: What’s New and Why?

  • David A Lewis National Institute for Communicable Diseases
  • Eva Marumo National Department of Health

Abstract

A revised national guideline for the management and control of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has recently been published by the national Department of Health according to the Essential Drugs List. Since 2004, there has been a marked rise in resistance to ciprofloxacin among Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates in several South African cities, requiring a change from quinolones to cephalosporins to treat presumptive gonorrhoea. In keeping with WHO recommendations, acyclovir has been added as part of first-line therapy for the management of genital ulceration. The national guideline has been revised accordingly in order to improve management of several key STI syndromes.

Author Biographies

David A Lewis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases
STI Reference Centre National Institute for Communicable Diseases NHLS Department of Internal Medicine Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Witwatersrand Division of Medical Microbiology Faculty of Health Sciences University of Cape Town
Eva Marumo, National Department of Health
STI and HIV Prevention Sub-Directorate, National Department of Health, South Africa
Issue
Vol 52, No 1 - January/February 2010
Section
CPD
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