Doxycycline PEP Seeks Comments For Reducing Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis

Without preventative vaccines available for three well-known sexually transmitted diseases, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently took action by opening a docket to obtain comments on proposed guidelines for the use of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for prevention of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STI).

Announced on October 2, 2023, the proposed guidelines for bacterial STI prevention include post-exposure prophylaxis with doxycycline (doxycycline PEP) because it has demonstrated benefit in reducing chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis infections.

The incidence of STIs caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (causative agent of gonorrhea), Chlamydia trachomatis (causative agent of chlamydia), and Treponema pallidum (causative agent of syphilis) continues to increase in the U.S., says the CDC.

The proposed guidelines provide updated clinical guidance for healthcare providers to inform the use of doxycycline PEP for preventing bacterial STI infections.

Written comments must be received on or before November 16, 2023.

Doxycycline PEP, when offered, should be implemented in the context of a comprehensive sexual health approach, including risk reduction counseling, STI screening and treatment, recommended vaccination, and linkage to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), HIV care, or other services, as appropriate.

The CDC has made available a pre-recorded informational presentation to provide information about the studies considered when developing the proposed guideline, explain the public comment process, and provide an overview of important monitoring for antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance that the agency will consider to address potential risks.

You may submit comments identified by Docket No. CDC–2023–0080 at Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit comments by email, as the CDC does not accept comments by email.