If NAAT for gonorrhea is negative, should you treat for Chlamydia?

• A. Treat for chlamydia
• B. Do not treat for chlamydia
• C. Not applicable
• D. Treat only if symptoms present

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that treatment decisions should follow the results of the specific infection tests rather than assumptions based on another pathogen’s test. A negative NAAT for gonorrhea means there is no microbiologic evidence of gonorrheal infection at the tested site, but it does not by itself indicate the absence or presence of chlamydia. Chlamydia requires its own testing result to guide therapy, and there’s no justification to treat for chlamydia solely because gonorrhea testing came back negative. You would treat for chlamydia only if there is a positive chlamydia NAAT or clear clinical indications, and you’d avoid unnecessary antibiotics to prevent overuse and resistance.