Urethritis and cervicitis in adolescents

Sexually acquired lower-genitourinary tract infections are a significant source of morbidity for adolescents. Causative organisms include T. vaginalis, Mycoplasma organisms, Ureaplasma organisms, and, most commonly, N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis. With NAATs, noninvasive screening can be accomplished easily. The importance of screening in high-risk populations cannot be overemphasized, especially because these infections are often asymptomatic. The treatment of sexually transmitted bacterial infections includes appropriate antibiotic treatment for the presenting patient, partner identification and treatment, and counseling to prevent reinfection.