The USPHS Studies in Guatemala--Background, Scientific Questions, and What Happened

This presentation will provide a roadmap to the Guatemala studies in syphilis, chancroid,l and gonorrhea conducted by Dr. John Cutler.  An overview of the experimental questions will focus on understanding STI treatment in the immediate post-World War II era, as penicillin therapy was being introduced.  There were major scientific questions on the role and efficacy of post-exposure prophylaxis.  The Cutler studies were developed to develop experimental models for post-exposure prophylaxis, and then perform efficacy studies.  Using this framework, the actual experimental studies and sources of human subjects will be described.