Chlamydia trachomatis infection Prevalence varies in general practice

Abstract

EDITOR, - More is known about the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infections in women in primary care than David Taylor- Robinson mentions.1 Analysis of studies in general practice has raised several more specific problems and hence some more specific solutions. These studies have shown variations both over time and among practices in the prevalence of cervical chlamydial infections, ranging from 0.5% to 10.7%.*RF 2-5* The variations in prevalance can be attributed to the different tests used to detect C trachomatis; the site of the practice (inner city or suburban); whether the patients were symptomatic; and changes in the prevalence of the organism itself. Information on the changing prevalence of C trachomatis in primary care is not routinely available to general practitioners, although such information is available to genitourinary medicine clinics. General practitioners require this information if they are …