Frozen, cervical swabs were placed in a lysis buffer containing an immobilized antibody to the gonococcal enzyme, 1,2-propanediol oxidoreductase. The immobilized antibody--enzyme complex that formed was active after the addition of substrate (1,2-propanediol and NAD) and this activity could be detected by visual inspection of NADH fluorescence under ultraviolet illumination.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗

PubMed1981

Repeal of mandated premarital tests for syphilis: a survey of state health officers.

Statistics on the mandated premarital tests for syphilis (PMSTs) in the United States for the year 1978 were analyzed to determine whether this program is epidemiologically and economically effective. Overall close to four million PMSTs contributed 1.27 per cent of the tests found positive for infectious syphilis in the 44 states where PMSTs are mandated. Of all mandated PMSTs, only one in 8,461 was positive for infectious syphilis. In a companion study, venereal disease control officers were canvassed for their opinions regarding the retention or abolition of the mandatory tests. Out of 44 states which mandated tests, only 13 respondents favored retention while 31 found the program unsatisfactory, preferred abolition or changes, or were undecided.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗

PubMed1981

Cytomegalovirus infection.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adult↗

PubMed1981

Sexually transmitted diseases in women--something can be done!

Women with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are largely asymptomatic, and even in the presence of symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed. The "stigma of VD" perpetuates this problem, such that both patient and physician are too embarrassed to suggest appropriate STD diagnostic tests. Imperatives for the reduction of STDs include increasing federal appropriations for STD control, improving STD training for health professionals, openly advertising condoms, and equipping clinical facilities likely to see women harboring STDs with the means to diagnose and treat. The development of serologic tests and vaccines against gonorrhea, chlamydia and herpes is an additional objective that would benefit women. A multifaceted approach combining the efforts of women's groups, family physicians, gynecologists, nurse practitioners and public health educators will be required to effectively handle the problem of STDs in women.

Advertising↗

PubMed1981

The use of condoms by VD clinic patients. A survey.

The use of the condom, as a prophylactic agent against the transmission of venereal disease, is considered an effective method of disease prevention. The importance of initiating free condom distribution programs needs, however, to be demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to estimate and determine if VD clinic patients use condoms and would accept free condoms as disease prevention devices. The reasons why venereal disease patients use or do not use condoms were also established. The findings indicated a generally favorable attitude about condom usage, although a greater number of patients viewed the condom primarily as a contraceptive device. The major objection to the use of the condom was that it "lowered satisfaction." The majority of patients, however, stated that they would use free condoms if they were made available from a VD clinic. Both the survey and the condom distribution program exemplify the need for educational programs to encourage public awareness about the use of condoms as a preventive against sexually transmitted diseases.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1981