title: Update on the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.
abstract: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidelines for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. The guidelines include the following information: recommendations for hepatitis A immunization and expanded indications for hepatitis B vaccination; updated diagnostic criteria for pelvic inflammatory disease and parenteral treatment regimens; information on two additional antiviral agents for the treatment of genital herpes; a recommendation for use of a single 1-g dose of azithromycin (Zithromax) to treat urethritis and chlamydial cervicitis; information on the use of quinolones in the treatment of gonococcal infections; information on podofilox and imiquimod, which are both patient-applied medications, in the treatment of noncervical human papillomavirus infection; updated guidelines for the prevention and detection of congenital syphilis; and information on how to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases by educating patients about the importance of changing their sexual behaviors. To have a significant impact on the current rate of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, family physicians should develop a plan to integrate the guidelines into their practices.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga 37403, USA.
authors.forename: K E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Graves
mesh_terms: D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014481:United States