Declaring cure in women with gonorrhoea

The case notes of 426 women who had been treated for uncomplicated gonorrhoea in 1978-83 inclusive, were studied. The findings for 1978 formed a retrospective basis for a prospective study. The aim was to appraise the value of earlier and fewer follow up tests of cure. The new routine was associated with a more assertive approach to other modalities of control. It was concluded that the interests of individual patients, as well as those aimed at control, were adequately served by one set of smear and culture specimens. There was one proviso. Potential "repeaters" need to be identified and treated individually in terms of follow up testing.