HIV AIDS STD & STIs

The syndromic approach is an important tool in the control of STIs and their sequelae, management by syndrome alone is inadequate because infections with important pathogens such as Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae  can be present without any symptoms . It is important to recognize syndromes to findings  that may be caused by one or more sexually transmitted pathogens and in managing STIs, diagnosis by syndrome and laboratory diagnosis by testing for a specific organism which are both important and complementary. Diagnosis of a syndrome or findings according to standard criteria predicts the likelihood that any specific pathogen is present and thus facilitates initiation of appropriate empiric treatment at the initial visit than deferring treatment until there is microbiological confirmation. WHO have developed simple flowcharts (called algorithms) to guide health care providers using the syndromic approach to manage seven syndromes.

 

Enteric Infections | Epididymitis | Genital ulcers | Ophthalmia neonatorum | Urethritis | Vulvovaginitis, vaginosis | Acute proctitis | Wet mount examination, culture or NAA test