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:

For additional disease-specific information and updates, please see questions and answers from the 2021 Treatment Guidelines Update Webinar.