DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF URETHRITIS AND CERVICITIS

Abstract

Clinical urethritis should motivate urine analyses including tests for leukocytes and PCR for C. trachomatis and N. gononhocae. The culture of an urethral swab for gonococci is sensitive as well. It allows susceptibility tests. Other infectious agents have been associated with urethritis (e.g., M. genitalium, T. vaginalis, H. simplex). They should be searched in case of negative first results or non-response to an empiric treatment. Given the emergence of resistances to quinolones, single doses of azithromycin 1 g plus cefixime 400 mg constitute a good choice which permits to ensure adherence. Contact tracing, screening for other sexually transmitted infections, and the evaluation of the sexual behaviour should always be done in order to prevent any further transmission.