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Urethritis and cervicitis in adolescents.
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1600 7th Avenue South, Suite 201-MTC, Birmingham, AL 35233-1711, USA.
Adolescent Medicine Clinics
|September 29, 2004
Summary
Adolescent genitourinary infections, often asymptomatic, require screening. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) enable easy, noninvasive screening for common bacterial and protozoan pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent health
- Infectious diseases
- Genitourinary medicine
Background:
- Sexually acquired lower-genitourinary tract infections cause significant adolescent morbidity.
- Common causative agents include Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Chlamydia trachomatis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of screening for sexually transmitted infections in adolescents.
- To emphasize the utility of noninvasive screening methods.
Main Methods:
- Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) facilitate easy and noninvasive screening.
- Screening is particularly crucial in high-risk and asymptomatic populations.
Main Results:
- NAATs provide an effective method for detecting common genitourinary pathogens.
- Early detection through screening is vital due to the asymptomatic nature of many infections.
Conclusions:
- Screening for sexually transmitted infections in adolescents is essential for reducing morbidity.
- Effective management includes antibiotic treatment, partner management, and counseling to prevent reinfection.