National STD Curriculum Podcast
Podcast Editor
Keep current on sexually transmitted diseases
This podcast series explores innovative and significant STD issues and discusses the clinical implications through Literature Reviews, Hot Topics, Conference Summaries, and Expert Interviews.
October 28, 2024
Literature Review
Syphilis: A 2024 Update
14 min 20 sec
This episode discusses five recent articles on syphilis including the effectiveness of linezolid and azithromycin, a new penicillin allergy testing algorithm, and a successful integrated response to address a syphilis epidemic in a rural American Indian community.
October 3, 2024
Expert Interviews
Antimicrobial Resistance in STI Pathogens
26 min 48 sec
Dr. Johan Melendez, a Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Assistant Professor, discusses STI antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and why Neisseria gonorrhoea is resistant, AMR diagnostic options such as point-of-care assays, and his work on evaluating AMR in resource-limited settings with National STD Curriculum Podcast Editor Dr. Meena Ramchandani.
September 20, 2024
Expert Interviews
STI Diagnostic Testing Options & Implementation
33 min 26 sec
Dr. Johan Melendez, a Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Assistant Professor, reviews diagnostic testing options, point-of-care and rapid tests, to identify gonorrhea, chlamydia, Trichomonas, and syphilis and discusses implementation issues for clinics with National STD Curriculum Podcast Editor Dr. Meena Ramchandani.
August 12, 2024
Literature Review
Can LGV Be Asymptomatic?
12 min 46 sec
This episode discusses four recent articles about lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) including the effectiveness of a 7-day doxycycline course and the increasing prevalence of asymptomatic LGV in the era of HIV PrEP.
July 18, 2024
Expert Interviews
Trichomonas Vaginalis: Treatment
20 min 36 sec
Dr. Patricia Kissinger, a Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Professor, discusses T. vaginalis treatment options and how to manage antimicrobial resistance, bacterial vaginosis coinfection, and partner treatment with National STD Curriculum Podcast Editor Dr. Meena Ramchandani.
July 5, 2024
Expert Interviews
Trichomonas Vaginalis: Screening and Testing
22 min 57 sec
Trichomonas vaginalis is increasingly recognized as an important pathogen with potentially great morbidity. Dr. Patricia Kissinger, a Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Professor and national expert, discusses screening and testing for T. vaginalis with National STD Curriculum Podcast Editor Dr. Meena Ramchandani.
June 6, 2024
Hot Topic
CDC 2022 STI Surveillance Report: Key Findings
7 min 7 sec
This episode highlights important trends and data about syphilis, congenital syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and disparities in STIs.
May 23, 2024
Expert Interviews
New Chlamydia Pathophysiology Research
27 min 22 sec
Professors and Drs. Daniel Rockey and Scott Grieshaber discuss their recent research on Chlamydia pathogenesis, a unique chlamydial persistence pathway, and impact of their work on future research with National STD Curriculum Podcast Editor Dr. Meena Ramchandani in the second of two episodes.
May 7, 2024
Expert Interviews
Chlamydia: Microbiology, Persistence, and Aberrancy
19 min 19 sec
Professors and Drs. Daniel Rockey and Scott Grieshaber, national experts on Chlamydia pathogenesis, discuss foundational chlamydia trachomatis concepts with Dr. Meena Ramchandani in the first of two episodes on their February 2024 article about metabolic dormancy and different antibiotic treatments.
April 15, 2024
Expert Interviews
Management of Patients on Doxy-PEP
20 min 42 sec
University of Washington Assistant Professor Dr. Chase Cannon answers National STD Curriculum Podcast Editor Host Dr. Meena Ramchandani questions about how to manage patients on Doxy-PEP including exposure to syphilis, STI testing frequency, and key counseling points for patients.
April 2, 2024
Expert Interviews
Implementation of Doxy-PEP
24 min 18 sec
Dr. Chase Cannon, Assistant Professor at the University of Washington, discusses what clinicians need to know about key studies, prescribing nuances, side effects, and antibiotic resistance with National STD Curriculum Podcast Editor Dr. Meena Ramchandani.
March 18, 2024
Expert Interviews
Taking a Sexual History: Words Matter (Part 2)
23 min 48 sec
STD/HIV Prevention Training Center at Johns Hopkins experts Barbara Wilgus and Bambi Galore and National STD Curriculum Podcast Editor Dr. Meena Ramchandani discuss asking gender-based questions and key poly language definitions to improve patient care in the second of two episodes.
March 5, 2024
Expert Interviews
Taking a Sexual History: Words Matter (Part 1)
31 min 44 sec
STD/HIV Prevention Training Center at Johns Hopkins experts Barbara Wilgus and Bambi Galore explore why many providers aren't taking a sexual history, question phrasing options, the 5Ps, a brave space, and resources in the first of two episodes.
February 15, 2024
Literature Review
Can Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, or Mgen Spontaneously Clear?
13 min 30 sec
This episode reviews five articles regarding spontaneous clearance of Neisseria gonorrhoea, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Mycoplasma genitalium without the use of antibiotics.
December 18, 2023
Literature Review
What's the Relationship Between Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and STIs?
14 min 51 sec
This episode discusses four articles focusing on the association between BV and chlamydia, gonorrhea, Mycoplasma genitalium, and human papillomavirus (HPV).
November 27, 2023
Literature Review
Does EPT Work for Trichomonas?
14 min 5 sec
This episode discusses three articles about the effectiveness of expedited partner therapy (EPT) for trichomoniasis in women and female adolescents.
October 23, 2023
Hot Topic
New Proposed Guidelines for Doxy PEP: Key Points
9 min 39 sec
On October 2, 2023, CDC published draft guidelines on the use of Doxy PEP, or Doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis, to prevent bacterial STIs. This episode reviews the guidelines’ rationale, literature, side effects, antibiotic resistance, and recommendations.
October 3, 2023
Conference Summaries
STI & HIV 2023 World Congress: Pharyngeal Gonorrhea Updates
11 min 10 sec
This episode reviews four updates on pharyngeal gonorrhea discussed in oral abstracts and poster presentations during July’s STI & HIV 2023 World Congress.
August 21, 2023
Conference Summaries
Mpox Outbreak: Challenges and Innovations
11 min 11 sec
This episode reviews four oral abstracts, which addressed interesting updates on mpox, presented at the STI & HIV 2023 World Congress in July.
July 18, 2023
Hot Topic
Doxy-PEP: What Is It and Does It Work?
12 min 9 sec
This episode reviews three 2023 studies on the effectiveness of Doxy-PEP, or Doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis, to prevent bacterial STIs in MSM, transgender women, and cisgender women. As more patients ask about Doxy-PEP, the episode discusses important counseling points.
June 26, 2023
Expert Interviews
Congenital Syphilis: Diagnosis and Management
21 min 0 sec
Congenital syphilis expert Dr. Katherine Hsu reviews the complexities of when and how to test neonates for congenital syphilis, actionable differential diagnosis, treatment, and long-term infant outcomes after exposure. The discussion expands on the June 12 Congenital Syphilis Prevention episode.
June 12, 2023
Expert Interviews
Congenital Syphilis Prevention
25 min 26 sec
Congenital syphilis cases have tripled in recent years. Dr. Katherine Hsu, a Boston University Medical Center Professor of Pediatrics and a national authority on congenital syphilis, discusses when to screen, birth letters, and public health’s role in prevention with National STD Curriculum Podcast Editor Dr. Meena Ramchandani.
May 19, 2023
Hot Topic
How to Treat Gonorrhea Without Ceftriaxone
12 min 58 sec
This episode reviews three articles about four antimicrobial treatment options for Neisseria gonorrhoeae other than ceftriaxone.
April 24, 2023
Expert Interviews
Mgen: Testing and Treatment Options
24 min 46 sec
Dr. Lisa Manhart, a University of Washington Epidemiology Professor and a Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen) expert, discusses current and potential Mgen testing and treatment options in an interview with the National STD Curriculum Podcast Editor, Dr. Meena Ramchandani.
April 11, 2023
Expert Interviews
Mgen: Co-Occurring STIs & When to Treat
18 min 29 sec
Dr. Lisa Manhart, a University of Washington Epidemiology Professor and a Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen) expert, discusses how Mgen may cause or co-occur with other diseases (nongonococcal urethritis, cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and bacterial vaginosis) and when and whom to test for Mgen in an interview with the National STD Curriculum Podcast Editor Dr. Meena Ramchandani.
March 15, 2023
Conference Summaries
2022 STD Prevention Conference: Innovative STI Testing Options
13 min 35 sec
This episode reviews three oral abstracts about these innovative STI testing methods and their clinical impacts: point-of-care gonorrhea and chlamydia testing; point-of-care rapid syphilis testing in jails; and the addition of a Mycoplasma genitalium test to initial evaluations for non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU). The abstracts were presented during the September 2022 STD Prevention Conference Oral Sessions 7 and 8.
February 8, 2023
Conference Summaries
2022 STD Prevention Conference: Testing for Gonorrhea & Antimicrobial Resistance
13 min 36 sec
This episode reviews four abstracts from the 2022 STD Prevention Conference Oral Session 1: Molecular Detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Antimicrobial Resistance and STI Strain Characterization. September 19, 2022.
January 9, 2023
Expert Interviews
Ocular and Otic Syphilis: Diagnosis and Management
12 min 13 sec
Dr. Khalil Ghanem, a Johns Hopkins University Professor of Medicine and a syphilis expert, discusses how to diagnose and manage ocular and otic syphilis in an interview with the National STD Curriculum Podcast Editor Dr. Meena Ramchandani.
December 19, 2022
Expert Interviews
Mpox Virology: What Do We Know?
23 min 1 sec
Dr. Boghuma Titanji, an Emory University Assistant Professor of Medicine, discusses mpox virology in an interview with the National STD Curriculum Podcast Editor Dr. Meena Ramchandani. This seventh episode of the ongoing mpox series was recorded prior to WHO's November 28, 2022 decision to change to "mpox."
December 8, 2022
Expert Interviews
Mpox Virus: Disparities, Inequities, and Global Response
32 min 16 sec
Dr. Boghuma Titanji, an Emory University Assistant Professor of Medicine, discusses the disparities, inequities, and the international aspects of the mpox virus response in an interview with the National STD Curriculum Podcast Editor Dr. Meena Ramchandani. This sixth episode of the ongoing mpox series was recorded prior to WHO’s November 28, 2022 decision to change to “mpox.”
November 21, 2022
Expert Interviews
Neurosyphilis: Symptoms, CSF Testing, and Treatment
23 min 50 sec
Dr. Khalil Ghanem, a Johns Hopkins University Professor of Medicine and a syphilis expert, discusses neurosyphilis manifestations, CSF evaluations, and neurosyphilis treatment in an interview with the National STD Curriculum Podcast Editor Dr. Meena Ramchandani.
November 3, 2022
Expert Interviews
Monkeypox: Transmission, Vaccines, and the National Public Health Response
20 min 0 sec
CDC epidemiologist Dr. Bryce Furness reviews modes of monkeypox transmission, prevention, the impact of the public health emergency declaration, and vaccination-related issues with the National STD Curriculum Podcast Editor Dr. Meena Ramchandani. This fifth episode of the ongoing monkeypox series was recorded in September 2022.
October 19, 2022
Expert Interviews
Monkeypox: Current and Potential Future Trends
22 min 44 sec
CDC epidemiologist Dr. Bryce Furness discusses recent national monkeypox trends, the potential impact of waning smallpox immunity, and possible future monkeypox trends with the National STD Curriculum Podcast Editor Dr. Meena Ramchandani. This fourth episode of the ongoing monkeypox series was recorded in September 2022.
September 27, 2022
Expert Interviews
Monitoring and Interpretation of Syphilis Serologic Tests
26 min 56 sec
Dr. Khalil Ghanem, a Johns Hopkins University Professor of Medicine and a syphilis expert, reviews how to monitor and interpret syphilis serological tests in an interview with Dr. David Spach, the National STD Curriculum Editor-in-Chief.
September 15, 2022
Expert Interviews
Monkeypox: Dr. Jason Zucker Discusses Clinical Experience and Counseling in NYC
14 min 0 sec
In this episode we interview Dr. Jason Zucker, an infectious disease physician and assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. We focus on topics of clinical manifestations and counseling of patients in the 2022 Monkeypox outbreak.
August 29, 2022
Hot Topic
Monkeypox: Key Recent Literature
16 min 3 sec
This episode discusses recently published manuscripts on the monkeypox virus and clinical manifestations of this infection in the current outbreak.
July 18, 2022
Literature Review
HSV Serologic Testing Options
15 min 5 sec
This episode discusses three articles about herpes simplex virus (HSV) serologic diagnostic testing options and outlines the 2021 STI Treatment Guidelines recommendations on when to use HSV serology.
June 21, 2022
Hot Topic
Monkeypox: What Do We Know?
17 min 15 sec
While human monkeypox is not typically considered an STI, reported cases of this current outbreak in 2022 have been identified at sexual health clinics in different countries and there are features to suggest close human-to-human transmission of this virus is playing a major role. This episode reviews three articles on monkeypox. An article on the effectiveness of oral tecovirimat for treatment is also discussed. For additional information and helpful pictures of lesions, two other 2022 articles are recommended. Clinicians are encouraged to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to keep updated on the evolving situation.
May 25, 2022
Hot Topic
Neurosyphilis Treatment Options
13 min 50 sec
This episode reviews recent literature published on treatments for neurosyphilis other than IV penicillin.
April 19, 2022
Literature Review
Treatment Options for Trichomoniasis
9 min 38 sec
This episode focuses on some of the literature supporting seven days of metronidazole treatment for Trichomonas infection recommended in the CDC 2021 STI Treatment Guidelines.
March 24, 2022
Literature Review
EPT: What Does It Mean and Who Is It For?
12 min 8 sec
This episode discusses the literature on expedited partner therapy (EPT), a strategy for treating sex partners of persons who are diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea without requiring the sex partner to have a medical evaluation.
February 25, 2022
Literature Review
A Vaccine for Gonorrhea
13 min 38 sec
Development of an effective vaccine against Neisseria gonorrhoeae has been difficult, but there has been recent progress in the field. This episode will cover some updates published in the literature on this topic.
January 14, 2022
Literature Review
HPV Vaccine Effects: New Data on Incidence of Cervical Cancer and Anal Dysplasia
15 min 32 sec
This episode reviews recent studies on how HPV vaccines are helping to prevent cervical cancer and anal dysplasia. The episode also reviews a preteens’ HPV vaccination uptake rates from 2008 to 2018 study.
December 15, 2021
Hot Topic
New Syphilis in Pregnancy Recommendations
8 min 43 sec
This episode reviews key updates on syphilis in pregnancy in the 2021 STI Treatment Guidelines including detailed maternal risk factors, when to screen for syphilis, and understanding serological test results.
November 30, 2021
Hot Topic
New Recommendations for Complicated Syphilis
9 min 52 sec
This episode reviews key updates on the diagnosis and treatment of complicated syphilis in the 2021 STI Treatment Guidelines.
September 28, 2021
Literature Review
Extragenital Testing in Women: What's Changed?
13 min 38 sec
This episode reviews some studies evaluating extragenital testing in women.
August 19, 2021
Hot Topic
Mouthwash for Gonorrhea, Does it Work?
11 min 12 sec
This episode reviews some studies evaluating mouthwash as an intervention for oropharyngeal gonorrhea.
July 15, 2021
Literature Review
Mycoplasma Genitalium
10 min 38 sec
This episode reviews some of the recent literature published on Mycoplasma genitalium, increasingly recognized important pathogen in the STD world.
June 23, 2021
Hot Topic
Gonorrhea Treatment Updates
13 min 0 sec
We will review the Update to the CDC’s Treatment Guidelines for Gonococcal Infection for 2020 in this episode.
April 22, 2021
Conference Summaries
Point-of-Care Tests and Express Clinics
16 min 10 sec
This episode reviews a few oral abstracts from the 2020 STD Prevention Conference, which took place virtually in September 2020, specifically looking at topics covering point-of-care tests and express clinic models.
March 15, 2021
Conference Summaries
Congenital Syphilis and Syphilis in Women
11 min 25 sec
This episode reviews a few oral abstracts from the STD Prevention Conference, which took place in September 2020, specifically looking at topics covering congenital syphilis and syphilis in women, which is a growing national problem.
February 15, 2021
Literature Review
Home STD Testing
13 min 24 sec
This episode reviews articles that describe and analyze home-based testing for STDs.
January 15, 2021
Hot Topic
PrEP and STDs
12 min 27 sec
This episode reviews some of the available literature on whether PrEP (preexposure HIV prophylaxis) use contributes to the increased rates of STDs.
December 15, 2020
Literature Review
Doxycycline Prophylaxis to Prevent STDs
11 min 8 sec
Doxycycline prophylaxis (pre or post) has been suggested as a way to prevent bacterial STIs [sexually transmitted infections] in high-risk groups and may be of interest in your patient population. This episode focuses on published literature on this topic.
November 15, 2020
Hot Topic
Treating STDs During COVID-19
9 min 28 sec
This episode reviews recommendations and suggestions for management of STDs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
October 15, 2020
Hot Topic
New Medications for Gonorrhea Treatment
10 min 57 sec
Gonorrhea has developed resistance to many antibiotics available and few options remain to treat this STI [sexually transmitted infection]. This podcast episode summarizes three articles recently published on new treatments for gonorrhea, specifically looking at gentamicin, delafloxacin, and zoliflodacin.
September 15, 2020
Literature Review
Treatment of Rectal Chlamydia
10 min 11 sec
Chlamydia infection can be treated with either azithromycin or doxycycline. Increasing evidence supports the use of doxycycline over azithromycin for the treatment of rectal chlamydia infection. This podcast summarizes literature on this topic.