The clinical correlates of genital Chlamydia infection in the era of nucleic acid testing

Abstract

The recent increase in the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections and the introduction of Nucleic Acid Amplification Technique (NAAT) for Chlamydia trachomatis require redress of the clinical correlates. The increased awareness by the medical profession and public community, coupled with the sensitivity of the NAAT for Chlamydia leads to more diagnosis and the identification of conditions, which would have been labelled differently (e.g. cervicitis) or acquired a different diagnosis (non-specific urethritis). Our study indicates that 70% of women and 38% of men had additional genitourinary condition. This suggests that a patient presenting with Chlamydial infection requires assessment to exclude sexually associated conditions. The majority of patients (80% of women and 75% of men), diagnosed with Chlamydia presented with symptoms. On occasions, there may have been a contribution of symptoms from other associated infections. These findings relate with our semi-rural, mostly Caucasian and stable population. We expect a higher profile of sexually-related conditions with Chlamydia for patients in inner cities. A study for this group of patients is essential.