Self-obtained Vaginal Swabs for Diagnosis of Treatable Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Adolescent Girls

Abstract

Objective To ascertain the acceptability of testing and prevalence of 3 readily treatable sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (infections withNeisseria gonorrhoeae,Chlamydia trachomatis, andTrichomonas vaginalis) with the use of patient-obtained vaginal swabs. Study Design Study participants at each initial session were asked to provide self-obtained vaginal swabs for ligase chain reaction testing to detectN gonorrhoeaeandC trachomatis, and for culture ofT vaginalis. Setting Behavioral intervention sessions with African American adolescent girls in a nonclinical program to reduce risk of STDs, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and pregnancy. Results All study participants were offered their choice of STD screening in the context of a traditional pelvic examination or using self-obtained vaginal swabs. All eligible participants chose self-administered vaginal swabs. Of the 512 participants examined at their initial study visit, 28.7% were found to be infected with 1 or more treatable STDs (5.3% withN gonorrhoeae, 17.8% withC trachomatis, and 12.9% withT vaginalis). Conclusions With the use of newer detection systems, STDs can be readily detected in nonclinical settings with the use of self-obtained vaginal swabs, providing new opportunities for efforts to control STDs.