STI Research


Despite the large burden of STIs in South Africa, there are few organisations conducting re-search and system strengthening projects in this field. FPD’s flagship programme of STI re-search is a major strategic asset and has received widespread international recognition. We have established unique clinical research infrastructure and team expertise to conduct STI research.

In partnership with the Eastern Cape and BCM Department of Health, the FPD team set up infrastructure to conduct STI research at five healthcare facilities: Duncan Village Day hospital (DVDH), Empilweni Gompo CHC, Grey Gateway Clinic, Ndevana PHC facility, Chris hani Clinic, and Nontyatyambo CHC. The rooms at all research sites are equipped for patient con-sultation, counselling and examination, specimen collection and storage, and point-of-care diagnostic testing.



Current studies



Study Sponsor
Pilot performance evaluation of a novel lateral flow assay for point-of-care diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in South Africa FIND
Evaluation of performance, acceptability and usability of a novel lateral flow assay for point-of-care detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection among pregnant and symptomatic women in South Africa (Phase 3) FIND
Treponemal shedding, load, and viability, in women and men-who-have-sex-with-women only with early infectious syphilis: implications for transmission (SOS Global) Monash University

Completed studies



Study Sponsor
Detection and whole-genome sequencing of Treponema pallidum DNA from patients with syphilis (Syphilis Genomics) (2023-2026) Open Philanthropy
Point of care detection of Treponema pallidum causing syphilis in clinical samples using VIPER® technology (2024-2025) Detact Diagnostics
Evaluation of performance, acceptability and usability a novel lateral flow assay for point-of-care detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection (Phase 2) (2021-2024) FIND
Cohort study of STIs, genital tract infections and vaginal microbiome and adverse pregnancy outcomes (Philani Ndiphile Cohort Study) (2020-2024) SNRF
Effectiveness implementation RCT of three STI testing approaches to reduce adverse birth outcomes (Philani Ndiphile RCT) (2020-2025) NIH
Molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains in East London (NG AMR Project) (2022-2023) GARDP
(SA MRC)
Clinical study of STI screening to prevent adverse birth and newborn outcomes and evaluation of performance, acceptability and usability of a novel lateral flow assay for point-of-care detection of Neisseria gonorrhoea (2021-2023) GARDP
Pilot study of STI testing in HIV-infected pregnant women in Pretoria (STIs in Pregnancy) (2015-2017) NIH