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The laboratory plays an essential role in the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The ability to make an accurate diagnosis is essential because of the individual and public health implications associated with an STI diagnosis. This is achieved through a combination of direct microscopy, bacterial culture, molecular detection and serological testing. The choice of test is guided by the method with the highest sensitivity and specificity; in most cases, this is nucleic acid amplification testing. With antimicrobial resistance a significant global concern, monitoring resistance trends is crucial in guiding antimicrobial prescribing. STI testing must be both accessible and acceptable to patients, with testing now available in a variety of community and healthcare settings. Self-sampling for STIs offers a suitable alternative to clinician-taken swabs for those who do not want or need an examination. This paper summarizes the current methods available in the diagnosis of STIs and genital infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) cause an enormous burden of disease, especially among poor people, women and children. Those caused by bacteria and protozoa can be cured, often with single-dose treatment, whereas the viral infections, genital herpes and HIV, are lifelong, incurable infections. Other STIs, especially those which cause genital ulceration, facilitate the sexual transmission of HIV. Since a high proportion of STIs are asymptomatic, especially in women, their control depends on screening and treatment of populations at risk, as well as the provision of effective treatment for those with symptoms. Syndromic treatment for those with symptoms is recommended where laboratory testing is not feasible or may lead to a delay in treatment. Simple point-of-care (POC) screening tests are available for HIV, syphilis and Trichomonas vaginalis, but currently available POC tests for Chlamydia trachomatis are less sensitive than laboratory-based tests. Treatment of sexual partners is another cornerstone of STI control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlamydia is the commonest sexually transmitted bacterium in the Western World. It is found predominantly in young people and prevalence of infection is probably increasing. Untreated or recurrent Chlamydia infection can have significant long-term complications, including infertility in women. It is considered possible to reduce the prevalence of chlamydia by increasing the availability and uptake of chlamydia tests. New tests with improved sensitivity have made diagnosis much more reliable. These tests are also licensed for less invasive, patient-taken sampling. This, combined with the simplification of treatment options, means that non-genitourinary medicine settings such as general practice are well placed to test and treat individuals for chlamydia. This is in line with the goals of the National Chlamydia Screening Programme. Testing for chlamydia also provides an opportunity to offer screening for other sexually transmitted infections and advice to those engaging in high-risk sexual behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthy Respect is a Scottish Executive funded National Health Demonstration Project, which addresses young people's sexual health. One of the 19 projects in phase 1 (2001 to 2004) was to introduce Chlamydia trachomatis testing in non-medical settings. This involved the development, implementation and evaluation of an initiative in a sexual health service which aimed to encourage young people under the age of 25 years in Lothian to be tested for Chlamydia. This article discusses why it is important to test for Chlamydia and details an initiative that was set up to provide this service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses several gynecological conditions with symptoms relating to the genital tract including fungal infections, chlamydia, and cervical erosion. Fungal infections, which are caused by a retained tampon or cervical changes, can result to a profuse discharge of colorless and clear substance. Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease and is induced by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Meanwhile, cervical erosion is triggered by trauma from foreign bodies.

Presents developments related to medical problems in pregnancy in Great Britain as of September 18, 2003. Guidance on the treatment of common infections in pregnancy; Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, a sexually transmitted infection, in the country; Ideas for audit medical problems in pregnancy.

Presents several abstracts on fertility and human reproductive sciences published in the January 14, 2002 issue of "Fertility Weekly." "Measurement of Induced Acrosome Reactions Using Physiological and Artificial Stimuli-Relevance for the Prediction of Fertilization Outcome," by M. Allgeyer, N. Kirschenhofer, U. Mann, and C. Brucker; "Hydrosalpinx: Therapeutic Management," by S. Gordts, R. Campo, and I. Brosens; "Transcervical Embryohysterocopy in Missed Abortion," by T. Philipp, D.K. Kalousek, S. Scholler, and K. Philipp; "Chlamydia Trachomatis and Its Effect on Male Fertility," by J. Rezacova, J. Masata, V. Cerny, M. Pribylova, and M. Drazdakova.

The article provides information on a study which revealed that Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium that were common among men, often persist after treatment for nongonococcal urethritis.

The article offers information on the Mycoplasma (M) genitalium, which is emerging as a cause of inflammatory reproductive tract infections in women and an independent cause of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It mentions a review of studies which found that patients with M genitalium were twice to be infected with HIV. It adds that studies confirm that M genetalium is associated with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis.

The article offers a discussion on the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of adult inclusion conjunctivitis (AIC), an ocular manifestation of sexually-transmitted bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. AIC is often referred to as silent epidemic because it has few or no symptoms and may remain latent for months or years. Its diagnosis is usually based on clinical monitoring of the follicular lower palpebral conjunctiva and patient's history. It can be treated with oral doxycycline and azithromycin.

The article reports that a text messaging service in London, England has lead to sooner diagnosis and treatment of patients with genital Chlamydia trachomatis. Staff also saves time due to the system. Staff are diverted from seeing new patients and managing patients with diagnosed infections. Over the six-month period of the service, a total of 952 text messages were sent.

Reports on the results of Swedish researchers' study on the bacterial pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis which contain an enzyme called ribonucleotide reductase essential for making and repairing DNA. Differences in the features of the pathogen's enzyme with those found in other organisms; Hypothesis the Chlamydia enzyme's features allow it to evade chemical defenses of the pathogen's host.

Investigates the rate of chlamydial infection and unplanned pregnancy in employed young women with ready access to health care and health education in California. Detection of chlamydia trachomatis infection; Epidemic rate of sexually transmitted disease and unplanned pregnancy; Percentage of unplanned pregnancy incidence.

The article discusses a study published in a 2013 issue of "The Journal of Infectious Diseases" that examined lymphogranuloma venereum as a cause of Chlamydia trachomatis in men who have sex with men (MSM).

The article discusses research being done on the reproductive complications of Chlamydia trachomatis.

The article focuses on a study which confirmed the association between Chlamydia trachomatis infection and miscarriage.

The article reports on the findings of a study by Alia Al-Tayyib and colleagues on the association between sex with partners met online and the risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which was presented at the 2008 National STD Prevention Conference. According to Al-Tayyib, the use of the Internet as a venue for meeting partners came to the attention of public health officials after an outbreak of syphilis. Seventeen percent of the individuals tested positive for one of the two infections--Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

The article reports on the results of a study conducted by Carsten Krebs and J. Martin Bollinger and colleagues at the Pennsylvania State University which reveals that Chlamydia trachomatis' metal cofactor contains both manganese and iron. The findings suggest that Chlamydia and other human pathogens may have novel ribonucleotide reductase as an adaptation to their host's immune response.

Melanie Hall reviewed approaches to sexual health promotion while reading a learning zone article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers news related to optometry as of May 12, 2006. Johnson & Johnson has brought back its free seminar entitled, Are you fitting comfortably? Bausch & Lomb has confirmed that its ReNu with MoistureLoc contact lens solutions has been linked with fungal keratitis cases in Europe. A new and more effective test for Chlamydia trachomatis has been discovered by researchers from the University of Cambridge.