Screening for Chlamydia trachomatis Using Self-Collected Vaginal Swabs at a Public Pregnancy Termination Clinic in France

Abstract

To assess the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection and the risk factors for CT infection among women presenting for abortion at a clinic in France. Women seeking surgically induced abortions were systematically screened by PCR on self-collected vaginal swabs between January 1, 2010, and September 30, 2010. CT-positive women were treated with oral azithromycin (1 g) before the surgical procedure. Of the 978 women included in the study, 66 were CT positive. The prevalence was 6.7% (95% confidence intervals [CI] 5.1%-8.3%). The risk factors for CT infection were the following: age <30 years (Odds ratio [OR]: 2.0 [95% CI: 1.2-3.5]), a relationship status of single (OR: 2.2 [95% CI: 1.2-4.0]), having 0 or 1 child (OR: 5.2 [95% CI: 2.0-13.0]), not using contraception (OR: 2.4 [95% CI: 1.4-4.1]), and completing 11 weeks or more of gestation (OR: 2.1 [95% CI: 1.3-3.6]). Multiple logistic regression indicated that 4 factors--having 0 or 1 child, a single relationship status, no contraceptive use, and a gestation of 11 weeks or more--were independently associated with CT infection. The rate of postabortion infection among all patients was 0.4% (4/978). These results reveal a high prevalence (6.7%) of CT-positive patients among French women seeking induced abortions. Because it is not common practice to screen the general population for CT, screening before induced abortions seems relevant. A cost-effectiveness study is required to evaluate this screen-and-treat policy.