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The article discusses the resurgence of early congenital syphilis in Alberta, Canada. According to the author, the first case of congenital syphilis in the province in over 10 years was reported in 2002. It was noted that between 1996 and 2006, the area experienced a progressive rise in cases of infectious syphilis, involving heterosexual people in the northern part, and men who have sex with men in the south. Details concerning management, treatment and care of the disease is also discussed.

Abstract Primary care physicians see many of the estimated 250 000 Canadians chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Of this number, about one-third are unaware they are infected, which constitutes a large hidden epidemic. They continue to spread HCV unknowingly and cannot benefit from advances in antiviral therapy that may clear them of the virus. Many HCV-infected people remain asymptomatic, which means it is important to assess for risk factors and test patients accordingly. The third-generation enzyme immunoassay for HCV antibodies is a sensitive and specific test, although the presence of the virus can be confirmed by polymerase chain reaction testing for HCV RNA in some circumstances. Pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin combination therapy clears the virus in about 45%-80% of patients, depending on viral genotype. Preventive strategies and counselling recommendations are also reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The authors discuss aspects of the results of several Canadian studies about the rates of cervical cancer screening in Aboriginal women in Canada which have shown improvement in the uptake of Pap testing. They are uncertain if the increased in screening among these women will translate to reduced incidence of cervical cancer and associated mortality. They note that these women may benefit from collaborative efforts including proper education on sexual health, screening, and immunization.

The article provides information on the 2006 edition of the "Canadian Guidelines on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)." The 2006 guidelines focus on the prevention strategies for both primary and secondary STI. The 2006 edition also includes three new chapters including one on practices for primary care professionals for STI prevention; the second chapter describes specific STIs; the third chapter discusses the increased risks to the population by immigrants, criminals and sex workers.

Presents an update on the guidelines for gonorrhea treatment in Canada in 2004. Areas and populations for which fluoroquinolones are not recommended for the treatment of the disease; Treatment recommended for urethral, endocervical, rectal or pharyngeal gonorrhea in patients 9 years of age and older.

Presents an update on the avian influenza outbreak. Number of laboratory-confirmed human cases reported in Vietnam and Thailand as of February 9, 2004; Countries affected by the influenza; Result of the preliminary tests done by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Canada and the World Health Organization; Signs and symptoms of avian influenza in humans.

Examines the increasing incidence of ciprofloxacin-resistant Neisseria gonorrhea infection in Canada. Age group and sex of the highest burden of disease; Treatment of uncomplicated cases of gonorrhea with single-dose antimicrobial therapy; Diagnosis; Clinical management and prevention.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Resurgence of early congenital syphilis in Alberta," in previous issue by A.E. Singh and colleagues.

Presents a response by Samuel Lee and Tom Wong to commentaries about their article "Hepatitis C: A Review for Primary Care Physicians," in the 2006 issue.