Abstract
BackgroundSexual transmitted infections (STIs) have increased in Germany and other countries in Europe since the mid-nineties. To obtain a better picture of diagnostic methods used in STI testing institutions in Germany, we performed a nationwide survey amongst STI specialists in order to evaluate the quality of STI reports and provide recommendations to harmonize and possibly improve STI diagnostics in Germany.MethodsWe asked sentinel physicians and randomly chosen gynaecologists, urologists and dermato-venerologists, about the diagnostic methods used in 2005 to diagnose HIV, chlamydia (CT), gonorrhoea (GO) and syphilis (SY) in a national cross-sectional survey in order to recognize potential problems and provide recommendations.ResultsA total of 739/2287 (32%) physicians participated. Of all participants, 80% offered tests for HIV, 84% for CT, 83% for GO and 83% for SY. Of all participants who performed HIV testing, 90% requested an antibody test, 3% a rapid test and 1% a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). For CT testing, NAAT was used in 33% and rapid tests in 34% of participants. GO resistance testing was performed by 31% of the participants. SY testing was performed in 98% by serology.ConclusionsDiagnostic methods for STI vary highly among the participants. Diagnostic guidelines should be reviewed and harmonised to ensure consistent use of the optimal STI diagnostic methods.
Highlights
Sexual transmitted infections (STIs) have increased in Germany and other countries in Europe since the mid-nineties
In the last couple of years not all STIs showed a similar epidemiology: While the number of new HIV and syphilis infections still rose in the last years [4,5,6], the number of newly diagnosed gonorrhoea infections declined in Europe [3]
To obtain a better picture of diagnostic methods used in STI testing institutions in Germany, we performed a nationwide survey amongst the sentinel participants and other practicing STI specialists
Summary
Sexual transmitted infections (STIs) have increased in Germany and other countries in Europe since the mid-nineties. Most sexual transmitted infections (STIs) have increased in Germany and other countries in Europe in the midnineties [1,2,3], rising fears of subsequent increased HIV transmission. Detection and treatment are very important methods to control the transmission of STIs [7]. Further data for STIs are collected through a sentinel surveillance system put in place in 2002 [8]. Data for STIs such as HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis is being collected from approximately 250 selected institu-
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