Who has chlamydia? The prevalence of genital tract Chlamydia trachomatis within Portsmouth and South East Hampshire, UK

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of genital tract Chlamydia trachomatis infection in women and men attending different health care settings in Portsmouth and South East Hampshire.

Design: Prospective, opportunistic screening.

Setting: Multiple health care sites.

Participants: Consenting sexually active women and men.

Intervention: A urine sample was tested for Chlamydia trachomatis and positive patients were offered treatment and partner notification.

Main outcome measures: The presence or absence of chlamydia infection according to age, gender, health care setting and reason for attendance.

Results: A total of 14,756 samples were tested giving an overall prevalence of 9.6%. The prevalence was significantly higher in women attending for a termination of pregnancy, antenatal care, women and men attending genitourinary medicine and in those with genital tract symptoms. The prevalence was different for men and women at different ages.

Conclusion: The prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection was high but differed at various health care settings and by reason for attendance.