Bibliographic information
GuidelineUpdated recommendations for the treatment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Treponema pallidum (syphilis) and new recommendations on syphilis testing and partner services.
Year of Publication2024
Issuing InstitutionWorld Health Organization
Recommendation
New
WHO recommends offering dual treponemal/non-treponemal rapid diagnostic tests as an additional approach within syphilis testing strategies.
Recommended in favor
Strong
Certainty of evidence
Low
Notes and Remarks
- Epidemiology and context: Dual treponemal/non-treponemal rapid diagnostictests (RDTs) can be incorporated into syphilis testing strategies and algorithmsbased on the needs of different populations, epidemiology and settings. Policy-makers and implementers need to have a clear understanding of how to use andinterpret reactive results based on their context, particularly when determininghow to deliver the test to specific populations and in certain geographieswhere treponematosis prevalence is high or endemic (e.g. syphilis, yaws, bejelor pinta).
- Clear messages: Individuals need to be provided with clear information abouttheir test results so they may be able to access further testing, treatment andcare as needed. It is important that all those with test results that indicate anactive infection are informed and promptly linked to care services. STI partnerservices should be discussed and offered as part of case management and publichealth interventions.
- Integration: Dual treponemal/non-treponemal RDTs should be integrated intoexisting testing strategies and algorithms, and provided as part of a package ofservices, including immediate access to treatment.
- Quality-assured products: Dual treponemal/non-treponemal RDTs, as with alltesting approaches, should be conducted using quality-assured products.