Evolving strategies for management of the nongonococcal urethritis syndrome

Article Abstract:

Research published in 1995 reveals new information about the causes and treatment of nongonococcal urethritis (NGU). NGU is the most common sexually transmitted disease in men. It is difficult to manage because many infected people are symptomless, some causative microorganisms are unrecognized, and current treatments are imperfect. Research revealed that the bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis caused approximately half as many cases of NGU as expected. This decrease may be due to new diagnostic tests for chlamydia that lead to treatment. These tests may help identify NGU-infected, symptomless men. Research indicates that one dose of oral azithromycin is as effective as seven-day oral doxycycline therapy in curing NGU. Azithromycin is the treatment-of-choice for patients who may not comply with a week-long antibiotic regimen. NGU cases that fail to respond to treatment and new therapeutic agents require further investigation.

Care and treatment, Urethritis, Nongonococcal, Nongonococcal urethritis

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Diphtheria in Russia a reminder of risk

Article Abstract:

International travel and substandard immunity may allow diphtheria to reappear in developed countries. Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial disease that most often infects the upper respiratory tract. In the US, only 40 diphtheria cases were reported to health authorities between 1980 and 1992. Since 1988, almost all cases have been brought into the US by travelers. This trend may be fueled by international travel through areas in which diphtheria is widespread, such as the former Soviet Union. Officials estimate that up to half of all US residents over age 30 are susceptible to diphtheria. Physicians must vigorously promote immunizations and should consider diphtheria in the diagnosis of patients with a sore throat and a tonsillar membrane in the back of the mouth. Diphtheria patients require supportive care to keep their airway open, diphtheria antitoxin, and antibiotic therapy.

Health aspects, Travel, Disease transmission, Diphtheria

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Patients, Physicians, and Weight Control

Article Abstract:

Doctors can do more to encourage their patients to control their weight. About half of US women and one-third of US men say they are trying to lose weight. But despite the proliferation of health clubs, fitness centers, and health food stores, more Americans are overweight than ever before. Two 1999 articles report that many doctors do not encourage their obese patients to lose weight. People who did receive such advice were three times more likely to try to lose weight.

Prevention, Physician and patient, Physician-patient relations, Obesity

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