Availability of Extragenital Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Testing in 6 High-Incidence States

• Published in: Sexually transmitted diseases Vol. 50; no. 6; p. 346
• Main Authors: Vu, Kathy Linh, Patani, Henna, Bhargava, Anisha, Sukhija-Cohen, Adam Carl
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.06.2023
• Subjects: Chlamydia Infections - diagnosis; Chlamydia Infections - epidemiology; Chlamydia trachomatis; Female; Gonorrhea - diagnosis; Gonorrhea - epidemiology; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Incidence; Male; Neisseria gonorrhoeae; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques; Prospective Studies; Sexual and Gender Minorities
• ISSN: 1537-4521
• DOI: 10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001789

Extragenital testing (rectal and oropharyngeal) of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) increases the detection of CT/NG infections, compared with genital testing alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual extragenital CT/NG screening for men who have sex with men, and additional screenings for women and transgender or gender-diverse individuals if certain sexual behaviors and exposures are reported. Prospective computer-assisted telephonic interviews were conducted with 873 clinics between June 2022 and September 2022. The computer-assisted telephonic interview followed a semistructured questionnaire that included closed-ended questions on the availability and accessibility of CT/NG testing. Of the 873 clinics, CT/NG testing was offered in 751 clinics (86.0%), and extragenital testing was offered in only 432 clinics (57.5%). Most clinics (74.5%) with extragenital testing do not offer tests unless patients request them and/or report symptoms. Additional barriers to accessing information on available CT/NG testing include clinics not picking up the telephone, disconnecting the call, and unwillingness or inability to answer questions. Despite evidence-based recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the availability of extragenital CT/NG testing is moderate. Patients seeking extragenital testing may encounter barriers such as fulfilling specific criteria or being unable to access information on testing availability.