Medical Update on Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

Faculty

Needs Statement

STDs are common, costly, and preventable. Worldwide, an estimated 333 million cases of curable STDs occur annually. In 1995, STDs were the most common reportable diseases in the United States. They accounted for 87 percent of the top 10 infections most frequently reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from State health departments. Of the top 10 infections, 5 were STDs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis B). Each year an estimated 15 million new STD infections occur in the United States, and nearly 4 million teenagers are infected with an STD. The direct and indirect costs of the major STDs and their complications, including sexually transmitted HIV infection, are conservatively estimated at $17 billion annually.

Despite recent progress toward controlling some STDs, when compared to other industrialized nations, the United States has failed to go far enough or fast enough in its national attempt to contain acute STDs and STD-related complications. STD rates in this Nation exceed those in all other countries of the industrialized world (including the countries of western and northern Europe, Canada, Japan, and Australia). Through a sustained, collaborative, multifaceted approach, other countries have reduced significantly the burden of STDs on their citizens, an accomplishment the United States also should strive to achieve.

Chlamydia is the most commonly reported notifiable STD in the U.S.  It is estimated that 3 million cases occur in the U.S. annually.  More sensitive tests are now available and may impact reported rates of Chlamydia throughout the U.S. Gonorrhea is a significant public health problem in the U.S.  It is second only to Chlamydia in number of cases reported to the CDC.  Medical cost for treatment of gonorrhea and its complications is estimated at $56 million.

 

Target Audience

This activity is intended for healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat sexually transmitted diseases.

Objectives

1. Describe the epidemiology of chlamydial and gonococcal infections in the U.S.;
2. Describe the pathogenesis of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhea;
3. Discuss the clinical manifestations of chlamydial and gonococcal infections;
4. Identify common methods used in the diagnosis of chlamydial and gonococcal infections;
5. List the CDC-recommended treatment regimens for chlamydial and gonococcal infections;
6. Describe public health measures for the prevention of chlamydial and gonococcal infections.

Accreditation

Medicine
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and The Alabama/North Carolina STD Prevention and Training Center. The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit actually spent in the educational activity.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine presents this activity for educational purposes only. Participants are expected to utilize their own expertise and judgment while engaged in the practice of medicine. The content of the presentations is provided solely by presenters who have been selected for presentations because of recognized expertise in their field.

Faculty Disclosure

Dr. Geisler has no relevant relationships to disclose.

 

Activity Sponsorship

This activity is jointly sponsored by the University of Kentucky and The Alabama/North Carolina STD Prevention and Training Center.