Screening for Chlamydia infection in a sexually transmitted infection clinic: a missed opportunity?

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Pedrosa, AF (Author) FMUP; Azevedo, F (Author) Other; Carmen Silva (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: International Journal of Dermatology

Vol. 54

Pages: 405-409

ISSN: 0011-9059

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 1 Citation

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00A-9G7

DOI: 10.1111/ijd.12338

Abstract (EN): ObjectivesChlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) reported in Europe. We aim to evaluate the overall prevalence of CT infection and the rate of asymptomatic infection in an STI clinic over a 5-year period. We will also discuss screening strategies with reference to attendees diagnosed with an STI and their sexual partners, and attendees with a non-infectious genital dermatosis. MethodsClinical and laboratory data for all attendees at a university hospital STI clinic over a 5-year period were reviewed. Diagnosis of CT infection was made upon polymerase chain reaction (PCR) performed in first-void urine. ResultsThe overall prevalence of CT infection was 4.0% (53/1310); the rate of asymptomatic infection was 84.9% (45/53). The prevalence of CT infection among attendees with an STI diagnosis and their sexual partners was 5.2% (50/963), whereas that among attendees with a non-infectious genital dermatosis was 0.9% (3/347; P<0.001). Infected attendees were younger than attendees without CT infection (median age: 31years vs. 40years; P<0.001). In 39.5% (17/43) of CT-infected attendees, it was possible to notify a sexual partner; CT infection was subsequently diagnosed in 58.8% (10/17) of partners. ConclusionsAsymptomatic CT infection had a representative frequency, which was more pronounced among young attendees with an STI diagnosis and their sexual partners, to whom screening should be offered. Issues of age limits for screening and whether screening should be directed to males in non-STI clinic settings should be carefully assessed.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 5