CDC Releases Updated STI Treatment Guidelines for 2021
The updated Hawai`i Department of Health STI Case Report reflecting the new CDC STI treatment guidelines is now form-fillable and available here.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just released the 2021 Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Treatment Guidelines. The guidelines provide current evidence-based diagnostic, management, and treatment recommendations and replace the previous 2015 guidance. Some key items to note include:
- Recommendations for Providing Quality STD Clinical Services (STD QCS) were released in January 2020 and complement the treatment guidelines
- Following adjustments to gonorrhea treatment practices (published in late- 2020), new guidelines include:
- Updated treatment recommendations for chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and pelvic inflammatory disease
- Updated treatment recommendations for uncomplicated gonorrhea in neonates, children, and other specific clinical situations (e.g., proctitis, epididymitis, sexual assault)
- Information on FDA-cleared diagnostic tests for Mycoplasma genitalium and rectal and pharyngeal chlamydia and gonorrhea
- Expanded risk factors for syphilis testing among pregnant patients
- Recommended two-step serologic testing for diagnosing genital herpes simplex virus
- Harmonized recommendations for human papillomavirus vaccination with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
- Recommended universal hepatitis C testing in alignment with CDC’s 2020 hepatitis C testing recommendations
The CDC has developed multiple resources for providers and partners to stay informed:
- Updated wall charts and pocket guides are available to download and free copies will be available to order through CDC-INFO on Demand in the coming weeks
- A customizable announcement is available to help promote the updated guide
- An updated STI Treatment Guidelines mobile app is in development and is expected to launch in the coming months (NOTE: The 2015 STD Treatment Guidelines app will be retired at the end of July 2021. CDC is finalizing an interim, mobile-friendly solution)
For additional disease-specific information and updates, please see questions and answers from the 2021 Treatment Guidelines Update Webinar.