Bibliographic information
GuidelineGuidelines for the management of asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections
Year of Publication2025
Issuing InstitutionWorld Health Organization
Recommendation
Updated
WHO suggests that men who have sex with men accessing health-care services who have no symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection be screened for N. gonorrhoeae and/or C. trachomatis. Recommendations for the management of symptomatic sexually transmitted infections should continue to be followed.
Recommended in favor
Conditional
Certainty of evidence
Low
Notes and Remarks
- This recommendation applies to screening with either a qualityassured molecular assay, such as nucleic-acid amplification testing, or a rapid test with a minimum sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 90%, where treatment is available. The anatomical site depends on sexual behaviour, and pooling samples can reduce cost and increase yield, depending on the resources available.
- Screening should be voluntary with informed consent. Treat forN. gonorrhoeae and/or C. trachomatis based on the results of the quality-assured test using the national treatment guidelines. Sexual partners of people testing positive should also be tested and treated, if positive.