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Ex vivo Culture of Human Placental Explants for the Study of Viral Transmission Across the Maternal-Fetal Interface
Published on: December 30, 2025
Sexually transmitted infections during pregnancy
Hope L Johnson1, Emily J Erbelding, Khalil G Ghanem
1Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Division of Infectious Diseases, 4940 Eastern Avenue, B-3 North, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA. hjohnson@jhsph.edu
Pregnant women face a high burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This review highlights provider practices and guidelines for STI screening and management during pregnancy to prevent adverse outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect 13.3% of pregnant women, posing risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Variations in healthcare provider practices for STI screening and treatment persist despite established guidelines.
- Effective management of STIs in pregnant individuals is crucial for maternal and infant health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current issues in screening and managing common STIs in pregnant women.
- To emphasize updated guidelines from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for STI treatment (2006).
- To highlight revised recommendations for HIV testing in pregnant women.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of common STIs during pregnancy.
- Analysis of provider screening and treatment practices.
- Emphasis on 2006 CDC Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines.
- Inclusion of revised HIV testing recommendations for pregnant women.
Main Results:
- Two million new STI cases occur annually in pregnant women aged 15-49.
- Provider practices in STI screening and treatment during pregnancy show significant variability.
- Updated guidelines address critical aspects of STI management in this population.
Conclusions:
- Consistent application of updated STI screening and treatment guidelines is essential for pregnant women.
- Addressing provider practice variations can improve prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes related to STIs.
- Enhanced HIV testing protocols are recommended for pregnant women in healthcare settings.
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