via PHAC:
The National Advisory Committee on Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections (NAC-STBBI) Statement titled Screening for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Pregnancy has been published on Canada.ca and the recommendations have been incorporated within the existing Gonorrhea Guide and the Chlamydia Guide.
Highlights of the updates include:
- Recommendation to screen all pregnant women/pregnant individuals for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis during the first trimester and again in the third trimester. *The previous recommendation suggested first trimester screening, and rescreening at third trimester only for high-risk individuals, or individuals who tested positive during initial screening.
- In settings where there are limited laboratory capacities, priority could be given to screening pregnant women/pregnant individuals with higher risk of those infections during the first trimester (or at the first antenatal visit) and screening all pregnant women/pregnant individuals in the latter part of the third trimester.
This is the first advisory committee statement by the NAC-STBBI and reflects the application of the new methodology to develop STBBI recommendations. It includes the background information, methodology used and evidence considered for the recommendations.
The NAC-STBBI is an External Advisory Body that provides the Public Health Agency of Canada with ongoing scientific and public health advice and recommendations for the development of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections guidance, in support of its mandate to prevent and control infectious diseases in Canada.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the NAC-STBBI Secretariat directly at: [email protected]