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For instructor materials including Power Points, Answers to Clinical Encounter Questions, please contact [email protected].
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Content Update
July 02, 2025
Gepotidacin: A Novel Drug for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections: Gepotidacin is a type IIA topoisomerase inhibitor approved for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in nonpregnant women and girls 12 years or older weighing greater than 40 kg. Oral gepotidacin is an alternative option that can be utilized in patients with contraindications to first-line agents or UTIs that are resistant to those agents. Gepotidacin should be carefully utilized, following evidence-based guidelines and antimicrobial stewardship to prevent further resistance that could emerge from overuse in the community.
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Content Update
December 18, 2024
Doxycycline Post Exposure Prophylaxis for Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections: The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is rising. Doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic commonly used in the treatment of certain bacterial STIs, has recently been studied in a prophylactic modality. Based on the results of these studies, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released new guidance on the use of doxycycline in post-exposure prophylaxis for STIs.
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of the chapter, the reader will be able to:
Assess the behavioral considerations and the importance of contraception with regard to the contributing factors of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Apply the “patient-delivered partner therapy” method when recommending treatment for STIs.
Describe the patient populations that are typically affected by specific STIs.
Identify causative organisms for STIs.
Devise a list of the clinical signs and symptoms corresponding to each type of STI and classify patients based on recommended criteria.
Select appropriate diagnostic procedures for STIs.
Recommend STI treatment regimens and recommend therapy, when appropriate.
Develop monitoring parameters based on recommended regimen.
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Though we have made significant progress in science and medicine, longstanding problems of infectious disease continue to plague us.1 Even with the discovery of newly improved antibiotics, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have not yet been eradicated. Several have reemerged secondary to modern social trends (eg, number of partners, sex workers, and swingers) of sexual activity, socioeconomic concerns, and the global lack of preventive education. 
Since the correlation between risky sexual behavior and STIs is well documented,2 many sexually active individuals may contract an infection at some point in their lives. Community approaches to reducing STIs (eg, access to quality health care, promotion of personal health, and advancement of community wellness) have been proven effective.3 Though inconsistent and incorrect condom use increases the probability of new STIs, counseling patients on the consistent use of condoms, spermicides, or diaphragms is also important component in reducing overall incidence. Additionally, healthcare providers who manage persons at risk for STIs should counsel women concerning the option for emergency contraception, when indicated. Mifepristone, levonorgestrel, ulipristal, ethinyl estradiol, and copper T intrauterine devices have been employed in the United States for ...