Is it time to use nucleic acid amplification tests for identification of persons with sexually transmitted infections?

Abstract

Background: Chlamydia and gonorrhea are common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can cause multiple problems, and can be easily treated, but frequently present without symptoms. Because of this, commonly used syndromic diagnosis misses a majority of infected persons. Previously, diagnostic tests were expensive and invasive, but newer nucleic-acid amplification tests (NAATs) are available that use urine to non-invasively test for these infections. Methods and materials: These analyses used data from seroprevalence studies conducted in five militaries. Data included self-reported current symptoms of STIs as well as chlamydia and gonorrhea NAAT results. Results: A total of 4923 men were screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea from these 5 militaries during April 2016 to October 2017. The combined prevalence of chlamydia and gonorrhea in these five militaries ranged from 2.3% in Burundi to 11.9% in Belize. These infections were not successfully identified by symptomology; for example, only 2% of cases in Belize reported symptoms. In three of the five countries there was no statistical association between symptoms and positive NAAT results. The majority of individuals with these infections (81%–98%) would be undiagnosed and untreated using only symptomology. Conclusion: Therefore, using symptoms alone to diagnose cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea is not an effective way to control these infections. We propose that automated, cartridge-based NAATs, be considered for routine use in diagnosing those at risk for STIs.