RAPID SCREENING AND TREATMENT FOR SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED DISEASES IN ARRESTEES - A FEASIBLE CONTROL MEASURE

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and usefulness of rapid screening and immediate presumptive treatment for sexually transmitted diseases among arrestees at a county jail. M ethods. The rapid plasma reagin test (for syphilis) and the urine leuk ocyte esterase test (for urethritis) were used in establishing routine screening and presumptive treatment for sexually transmitted diseases among arrestees. Results. Of 4757 arrestees screened, 82 (1.7%) had u ntreated syphilis, and, of 4174 male arrestees screened, 541 (13%) had a positive leukocyte esterase test. The syphilis prevalence rate was higher among women than among men (3.1% vs 1.5%), and the rate was hig her among Blacks than among Whites (2.3% vs 0.7%). Although leukocyte esterase test positivity was higher among persons reporting a urethral discharge (57% vs 12%), 88%: of persons with a positive test result d id not report such symptoms. Conclusions. The program described here h as reached persons with sexually transmitted diseases who are unlikely to use traditional health care services and thus are likely to remain untreated. Rapid screening and treatment for sexually transmitted dis eases among arrestees is feasible and should be considered in areas wi th high sexually transmitted disease rates.