Open AccessSexually Transmitted Infections in Pregnancy: A Narrative Review of the Global Research Gaps, Challenges, and Opportunities
Author(s) -
Juliana Grant,
R Matthew Chico,
Anne C C Lee,
Nicola Low,
Andrew MedinaMarino,
Rose L. Molina,
Chelsea Morroni,
Doreen RamogolaMasire,
Chrysovalantis Stafylis,
Weiming Tang,
Andrew Vallely,
Adriane Wynn,
Nava Yeganeh,
Jeffrey D. Klausner
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
sexually transmitted diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.507
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1537-4521
pISSN - 0148-5717
DOI - 10.1097/olq.0000000000001258
Subject(s) - medicine , guideline , randomized controlled trial , observational study , global health , clinical trial , family medicine , cost effectiveness , intensive care medicine , gynecology , public health , nursing , pathology , risk analysis (engineering)
Sexually transmitted infections (STI), such as chlamydial, gonorrheal, and trichomonal infections, are prevalent in pregnant women in many countries and are widely reported to be associated with increased risk of poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. Syndromic STI management is frequently used in pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries, yet its low specificity and sensitivity lead to both overtreatment and undertreatment. Etiologic screening for chlamydial, gonorrheal, and/or trichomonal infection in all pregnant women combined with targeted treatment might be an effective intervention. However, the evidence base is insufficient to support the development of global recommendations. We aimed to describe key considerations and knowledge gaps regarding chlamydial, gonorrheal, and trichomonal screening during pregnancy to inform future research needed for developing guidelines for low- and middle-income countries.