BMJ open
Integration of GeneXpert CT/NG and OSOM Trichomonas testing into STI management in an adolescent clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe: a cross-sectional study
By Lightowler M, Bossard C, Ndlovu Z and 9 others.
Abstract
Abstract: To assess whether integrating aetiological sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing into routine adolescent care improves diagnostic and clinical performance compared with syndromic management alone in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Design
Cross-sectional study.
Setting
Mbare Adolescent clinic.
Participants
402 sexually active adolescents aged 16–19 years were consecutively enrolled (September 2023–June 2024).
Methods
Standardised assessment included history, examination and routine HIV/syphilis screening. Vaginal/endocervical swabs (females) and urine (males) were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) using GeneXpert CT/NG and OSOM Trichomonas rapid testing. Syndromic treatment followed national guidelines. We assessed laboratory results among participants receiving syndromic treatment and infections detected through aetiological screening among those not receiving syndromic treatment, stratified by pathogen and sex.