TABLE 1.

Identified Clinical, Laboratory, and Policy Priorities to Address STIs in Pregnancy

Clinical Research Priorities
1. Alternative treatments for STIs during pregnancy
2. Routine screening with point-of-care rapid diagnostic testing for STIs during pregnancy globally
3. Further research into the vaginal microbiome
Laboratory Priorities
1. Assess STI test performance in pregnant vs. nonpregnant women
2. Develop further point-of-care tests
3. Develop microbial based biomarkers for adverse pregnancy outcomes
4. Research in pathogenesis of intrauterine infection/inflammation and the link between vaginal dysbiosis and intrauterine infection/inflammation
Policy Priorities
1. Create Office of STI Research at the NIH.
2. Increase national policies that create and require monitoring of standard antenatal care screening recommendations and treatment practices
3. Include congenital syphilis in Infant Fetal and Infant Mortality Reviews
4. Expand Federal funding for STD clinics to increase access
5. Increase STI screening and treatment in PEPFAR-supported programs
6. Add STI screening and treatment as part of integrated antenatal care packages globally