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Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are among the most common causes of all Out Patient Department (OPD) attendances in Zambia.
There are three approaches to the management of STIs,
- Aetiological: - where one collects specimens for laboratory identification of causative agent before treatment.
- Clinical: - where one depends on experience and own knowledge, and
- Syndromic: - where one identifies based on symptoms and signs and treats to cover the majority of organisms that may cause those symptoms.
The syndromic approach to managing STIs has been adopted by the Ministry of Health for the management of STIs in public health institutions in Zambia. Syndromic case management is based on identifying consistent groups of symptoms and easily recognized signs and providing treatment which will deal with the majority of organisms responsible for producing each syndrome. Using the syndromic approach, a diagnosis is made by taking a client's history and examining them to verify their STI problem.
There are 8 common syndromes namely:
- urethral discharge
- vaginal discharge
- genital ulcer
- genital growth
- lower abdominal pain
- inguinal bubo
- scrotal swelling and
- neonatal conjunctivitis
Urethral Discharge
This is a condition in which there is dysuria coupled with often copious, mucoid discharge from the urethral meatus. Two common conditions presenting with urethral discharge are Gonococcal urethritis.