Frequent screening for asymptomatic chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections in men who have sex with men: time to re-evaluate?

Eloise Williams*, Deborah A. Williamson, Jane S. Hocking

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

There is increasing debate regarding the harms and benefits of frequent asymptomatic screening for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in men who have sex with men (MSM). One concern is that frequent asymptomatic screening could result in increased antimicrobial resistance in an array of sexually acquired infections and other pathogens, due to selection pressure exerted by frequent broad-spectrum antimicrobial usage within some sexual networks. Here, we outline the harms and benefits of frequent C trachomatis and N gonorrhoeae screening in MSM in high-income settings and propose that screening frequency be reduced. We describe the evidence gaps that should be further explored to better understand the implications of reducing the frequency of asymptomatic C trachomatis and N gonorrhoeae screening in MSM and the surveillance systems that should be in place to prepare for such changes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)e558-e566
JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases
Volume23
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2023
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 Elsevier Ltd

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