Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis infection (CTI) is the most frequent sexually transmitted infection in Switzerland and its prevalence in correctional settings is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CTI and associated risk factors in a population of inmates aged 18-35 years. Inmates attending the health care unit of the largest Swiss remand prison from June 2008 to May 2009 were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. All participants completed a questionnaire and provided a first-void urine specimen for CTI testing based on a PCR assay. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess risk factors associated with CTI. 214 male and 20 female inmates agreed to participate. Overall CTI prevalence was 6.5% in men (95% CI 3.2; 9.9) and 10% (95%CI 0; 23.1) in women. None of the following possible risk factors analysed were significantly correlated to CTI: age, origin, education, religion, number of sexual partners, iv drug use, subjective health status and uro-genital symptoms. CTI prevalence in the largest Swiss prison was two to six times higher than in the general population but similar to other European prison settings. This result should raise our awareness that this population is at particularly high risk for sexually transmitted infections and motivate a widespread surveillance of prison CT prevalence. We hesitate to consider systematic screening because evidence is still lacking in relation to the benefits of screening in males. Local cost effectiveness studies would highly contribute to a correct decision concerning implementation of screening.
Highlights
Chlamydia trachomatis infection (CTI) is the most frequently diagnosed bacterial agent of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in both men and women in the Western world
Overall CTI prevalence was 6.5% in men and 10% (95%CI 0; 23.1) in women
None of the following possible risk factors analysed were significantly correlated to CTI: age, origin, education, religion, number of sexual partners, iv drug use, subjective health status and uro-genital symptoms
Summary
Chlamydia trachomatis infection (CTI) is the most frequently diagnosed bacterial agent of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in both men and women in the Western world. The exact burden of this infection remains unknown as an important proportion of CTI is not diagnosed and reported [1]. In the USA, CTI prevalence in the general population ranges between 1 and 10.3% [2,3,4]. In Switzerland, there are no population studies on CTI prevalence. CTI reporting is mandatory and recent data show an increasing incidence [6]. Abraham reported that CTI notification in Geneva had increased by 46% between 1999 and 2004 [7]. Studies in specific populations found a 2.8% prevalence in sexually active women in 1998 and of 1.3% among Swiss army recruits (18–26 years old) [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
