Sexually Transmitted Infections in Pregnancy and Reproductive Health: Proceedings of the STAR Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinical Trial Group Programmatic Meeting

Abstract

The goal of the STAR Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinical Trial Group (STI CTG) Programmatic meeting on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Pregnancy and Reproductive Health in April 2018 was to review the latest research and develop recommendations to improve prevention and management of STIs during pregnancy. Experts from academia, government, nonprofit, and industry discussed the burden of STIs during pregnancy; the impact of STIs on adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes; interventions that work to reduce STIs in pregnancy, and the evidence, policy, and technology needed to improve STI care during pregnancy. Key points of the meeting are as follows: (i) alternative treatments and therapies for use during pregnancy are needed; (ii) further research into the relationship between the vaginal microbiome and STIs during pregnancy should be supported; (iii) more research to determine whether STI tests function equally well in pregnant as nonpregnant women is needed; (iv) development of new lower cost, rapid point-of-care testing assays could allow for expanded STI screening globally; (v) policies should be implemented that create standard screening and treatment practices globally; (vi) federal funding should be increased for STI testing and treatment initiatives supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Centers of Excellence in STI Treatment, public STD clinics, and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).