A population-based serosurveillance of syphilis in Costa Rica

Article Abstract:

An epidemiological study conducted in Costa Rica from 1984 to 1985 reported a high rate of cervical cancer, but a low rate of breast cancer. The study also examined the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among the women with cancer of the cervix. Cervical cancer and STDs are thought to be related; when an increased rate for one occurs in a given population, it is expected that the rate of the other is also elevated. The Costa Rican study found that 17.1 percent of the women with invasive cervical cancer tested positive for having either current or previous syphilis infection. To evaluate the seroprevalence of syphilis in women in Costa Rica, blood tests and interviews were conducted with 767 subjects, who represented a cross-section of women between 25 and 59 years. (In this case, seroprevalence refers to using the results of blood tests to determine past and present cases of syphilis infection.) Results revealed that although only 8 (1.9 percent) women reported a history of syphilis, 54 women (6.4 percent) had positive test results (indicating past or present infection). Of this group, test results indicated that 25 women had recent syphilis infection. The likelihood of having positive test results increased in women who were 50 to 59 years and had two or more sex partners. None of the women who reported no sexual activity tested positive. These findings are comparable to previous studies and indicate which subgroups in the population are at higher risk for syphilis. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Demographic aspects, Costa Rica, Cancer, Syphilis

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Screening high-risk adolescent males for chlamydia trachomatis infection: obtaining urine specimens in the field

Article Abstract:

Peer teen community outreach programs affiliated with sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics seem to be an effective means of identifying and treating young males infected with chlamydia. Trained groups of teenagers approached 1,860 teen males in their communities, provided condoms, coupons for an examination, and information about STDs, and requested a urine sample for testing. Of the 261 tested males, 6.1% were positive for chlamydia and were treated immediately with azithromycin. Staff and supply costs associated with this program totaled $26,824.

Evaluation, Services, Community health services, Teenage boys, Public participation, Social service volunteers, Chlamydia infections, Youth volunteers, Youth volunteers in social service

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Laboratory diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases in facilities within the United States: results of a national survey

Article Abstract:

Health care facilities may be foregoing testing patients for certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) because of a change in federal regulations of laboratories. Researchers surveyed 405 U.S. facilities that have offered STD testing. More facilities are offering tests for chlamydia but much fewer are testing for gonorrhea and chancroid. Although most facilities said they did not change the tests offered, 34 of 37 facilities offering fewer tests said the decline in tests offered was because of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988.

Sexually transmitted disease diagnosis, Medical laboratories, Biomedical laboratories, Facility utilization

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