Gonorrhea Partner Services: Implementation of Targeted Gonorrhea Interviewing within Low Syphilis Morbidity Areas

Background:  In 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encouraged project areas to address: 1) the national emergence of gonorrhea strains with decreased susceptibility to cephalosporins; 2) the limited number of available gonorrhea treatment options; and 3) the high rate of gonorrhea infections among adolescents and young adults. In response, Georgia, a high syphilis morbidity state, targeted gonorrhea partner services in areas with low syphilis morbidity and high rates of gonorrhea.

Objectives:  To review results of gonorrhea partner services program in low syphilis morbidity areas in Georgia.

Methods: Beginning in January 2010, gonorrhea partner services were offered to patients with confirmed gonorrhea infections between the ages of 15 and 24 in targeted STD and Family Planning clinics in Georgia.  Selected clinics had to have adequate Communicable Disease Specialists (CDS) staffing to conduct interviews. 

Results: Of the 114 cases assigned, 112 (98%) cases were interviewed, resulting in a total of 126 partners initiated (contact index of 1.13).  Of the 126 partners initiated, 74 (58.7%) partners were examined. Of those examined, 33 (45%) were preventatively treated, 34 (46%) were infected/treated, 4 (5%) were not infected, and 3 (4%) refused treatment.  There were 32 (25%) partners with no examination and 20 (16%) partners that were previously treated. 

Conclusions: Implementation of partner services for infected gonorrhea patients resulted in the screening, treatment, and risk reduction counseling for74 partners that may not have otherwise received these services.  These activities identified infected partners before unintended clinical complications occurred.

Implications for Programs, Policy, and Research: Gonorrhea partner services are beneficial to identify infected partners.  Continuous communication between clinical and partner service staff is imperative to minimize missed opportunities. STD programs should implement gonorrhea partner services when resources are available.