Molecular Epidemiology of Genital Chlamydial Infection Among Male Patients Attending an STD Clinic in Taipei, Taiwan

Abstract

To assess the epidemiology of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection among men attending an STD clinic in Taipei, Taiwan. Between July 2004 and June 2005, a total of 426 first-void urine specimens from male patients were tested for C. trachomatis by using a urine-based PCR DNA amplification assay. The overall prevalence of genital C. trachomatis infection was 16.4%. Youth, current symptoms, the presence of N. gonorrhoeae infection, and inconsistent use of condoms were positively associated with C. trachomatis infection. The most common chlamydia strain present was genotype E, followed by D and Da, F, K, J, G, and H. C. trachomatis genital infection was prevalent among male patients attending a STD clinic in Taipei. Young Taiwanese men attending STD clinics should be counselled on condom use.