ArticleSexually transmitted infections2026
Should we still treat asymptomatic
Article in Sexually transmitted infections, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
2 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectivesWe sought to determine positivity rates for participants in the GetaKit study who identified as asymptomatic contacts of
methodsWe extracted data for the period of 1 June 2023 to 30 June 2025 from GetaKit, which is a research website through which persons in Ontario, Canada can complete an online risk assessment and obtain access to laboratory-based testing for STIs, including NG, CT, HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C. From these data, we calculated positivity rates for NG and CT and the numbers needed to treat. We also evaluated for correlations of risk factors for testing positive.
resultsDuring our 25-month study period, participants ordered NG/CT testing 12 775 times. In a total of 6.7% of these orders, participants identified as an NG and/or CT contact. Positivity rates, for all completed testing, were 1.2% (n=115 diagnoses) for NG and 4.3% (n=395 diagnoses) for CT. Positivity among asymptomatic contacts ranged from 0% for NG in heterosexual males to 30.6% for CT in females who were ≤24 years old, with most positivity rates being <20% for both infections.
conclusionsOur results suggest that blanket recommendations to treat or defer treatment seems inappropriate. More nuance is required. Empiric treatment of all NG and CT contacts will likely result in mass overuse of antibiotics. In contrast, deferring treatment seems inappropriate for asymptomatic females who are ≤24 years old and for anyone who cannot immediately obtain testing and treatment.
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