Rates Of Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection Research Articles

Characteristics of reproductive tract infections caused by common pathogens among the outpatients of reproductive medicine center in Putian: retrospective study

BackgroundThis study aims to explore the infection and age distribution of Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Herpes simplex virus type II (HSV II) among the outpatients of Reproductive Medicine Center in Putian, Fujian Province to provide a clinical basis for the early diagnosis and treatment of various reproductive tract diseases and infertility in this region.MethodsA total of 1736 samples of secretions and exfoliated cervical cells were collected from the outpatients of the Reproductive Medicine Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Putian University from December 2021 to April 2023. The infections of UU, CT, NG and HSVII were detected by real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the infection statuses of the patients with different genders, ages and diagnoses were analysed.ResultsAmong the 1736 patients, 611 were male and 1125 were female. The male patients had higher UU infection rate but lower HSV II infection rate than the female patients. No significant difference in CT and NG infection rates was observed between the genders. The CT infection rate gradually decreased with the increase in the age. The difference in UU, NG and HSV II infection rates among the different age groups was not statistically significant. For UU infection, the male infertile patients had the highest rate of 37.72% (172/456). Meanwhile, the differences in CT, NG and HSV II infection rates among the different diagnosis groups were not statistically significant. Among the male and female infertile patients, the CT infection rate was the highest in the 21–25 years of age group at 11.11% (2/18) and 9.47% (9/95), respectively. No statistically significant difference in UU, CT, NG and HSV II infection rates was observed among the different age groups of patients diagnosed in relation to the family planning guidance and between the male and female patients with other diagnoses results.ConclusionsThis study showed that UU was the most frequently identified pathogen in infertile men in Putian, Fujian Province. The CT infection rate was the highest in people under 20 years old, and the infection showed a tendency toward young individuals. Therefore, the publicity of sexual health knowledge must be strengthened, and the prevention and treatment of venereal diseases among young and middle-aged people must be improved. Moreover, the pathogen infection is related to infertility to a certain extent, which is conducive to clinical diagnosis and treatment.

If We Make It, Will They Take It? Attitudes Toward the Acceptability of Chlamydia Point-of-Care Testing Among Adolescents and Young Adults.

Adolescent women, 15 to 19 years of age, have the highest rate of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in the United States. The objective of this study was to ascertain knowledge and experience of C. trachomatis and acceptance of C. trachomatis point-of-care testing (POCT) if made available over-the-counter (OTC). Currently, there are no tests for C. trachomatis available OTC for purchase. Patients attending adolescent clinics at University Hospital of Brooklyn and Kings County Hospital received an anonymous 12-item questionnaire. Both clinics serve predominantly African and Caribbean American urban populations. Questions included demographics, sexual orientation, chlamydia knowledge, testing history, prior infection, partner notification, and acceptance of OTC POCT for C. trachomatis. Surveys from 151 patients (116 women, 35 men) aged 12 to 21 years (mean age, 17.6 years) were analyzed. Only 34 of the 151 (22.5%) respondents understood C. trachomatis transmission; 31 (20.5%) knew its complications. Sixty-seven (44.4%) would purchase an OTC test but 101 (66.8%) would pay no more than $20. All 151 patients reported that they would follow-up with doctor if positive; 143 (94.7%) would notify partners, although 5 of the 31 (16.1%) women with prior infection did not notify partners. Nearly half (44%) of adolescents in our population would be interested in using a potential OTC test for C. trachomatis. Cost was a major disincentive. Knowledge of infection remains cursory. However, those with a history of C. trachomatis infection and familiar with its complications were more interested in purchasing a home test. Although 100% of the respondents reported that they would follow-up with their physician if they tested positive, past behavior suggests that partner notification might be suboptimal.

Increased cervical Chlamydia trachomatis and syphilis infections in Japanese females of reproductive age in the late 2010s: Possible cause

From 2000 to 2019, Japan's reproductive-age population gradually declined by 24%. In comparison, the Chlamydia trachomatis infection rate increased from 2016, with the syphilis infection rate increasing more sharply from 2014. Since 2013, the numbers of foreign tourists to Japan have also increased. From 2011 to 2018, the rate of increase in tourists was 5.02 times, while the rate of increase in syphilis patients was higher at 22.4 times. The lack of a one-to-one relationship between foreign tourists and syphilis cases suggests that cases of syphilis were transmitted to others. Although the prevalence of syphilis in the tourists' home countries (Korea in 2014 and China in 2013) was 20–30 times higher than that in Japan, the Japanese sex industry did not discriminate against foreign tourists, leading to increased STI infections in Japanese female sex workers. Indeed, from 2017 to 2018, a history of working in the sex industry for six months was identified as a risk factor for syphilis. The rise in Chlamydia trachomatis infections has lagged behind that of syphilis by two years, with the rate of increase lower. We suspect the difference in increasing rates of syphilis and chlamydial infections is due to the different methods of infection: syphilis can be transmitted by light physical contact, such as a kiss, whereas chlamydia requires close sexual contact, such as oral sex or sexual intercourse. Regardless, examinations and infection control are necessary to prevent the spread of STIs in Japan due to inbound tourists.

Chlamydia trachomatis transmission between the oropharynx, urethra and anorectum in men who have sex with men: a mathematical model

BackgroundIt has been presumed that Chlamydia trachomatis is transmitted between men only through anal or oral sex, but no mathematical models have tested this presumption.MethodsTo test this presumption, we created 20 compartmental mathematical models of different sexual practices that included both oral and anal sex and calibrated these models to the observed rates of Chlamydia trachomatis infection at three anatomical sites from 4888 men who have sex with men (MSM) in Melbourne Sexual Health Centre during 2018–2019.ResultsA model that included only oral and anal sex could replicate the observed rates of single-site infection at the oropharynx, urethra and rectum alone, but could not replicate infection at more than one of these sites (multisite). However, if we included transmission from sexual practices that followed one another in the same sexual episode (e.g. saliva contamination of the penis from oral sex transmitting chlamydia to the rectum by anal sex), we significantly improved the calibration of multisite infection rates substantially.ConclusionsOur modelling study suggests that transmission routes other than just oral and anal sex are necessary to explain the high rate of Chlamydia trachomatis infection at more than one site.

Recent trends in sexually transmitted infections among adolescents, Catalonia, Spain, 2012-2017.

Monitoring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in adolescents is essential to inform STI prevention strategies at primary and secondary levels in this key population. We aim to describe recent trends in STIs among adolescents and to analyse their socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics in Catalonia, Spain between 2012 and 2017. Data on Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection, gonorrhoea and syphilis cases aged from 13 to 19 years reported to the Catalan Mandatory Notifiable System from 2012 to 2017 were analysed. Diagnosis rates were calculated and a descriptive analysis was performed. Between 2012 and 2017, CT infection, gonorrhoea and syphilis cases reported among adolescents aged 13-19 years accounted for more than one-eleventh of all reported cases in Catalonia. The rate of the three nationally-notifiable STIs increased dramatically among adolescents. CT infection rates rose from 13 to 144.1 per 100,000 adolescents between 2012 and 2017, an increase of 1007%; gonorrhoea cases increased by 246% (from 13.4 to 45.4/100,000) and syphilis cases increased by 247% (from 1.7 to 5.9/100,000). Gonorrhoea and syphilis cases affected mainly males while CT infection cases were mostly in females (84%). Adolescents are being increasingly affected by CT infection, gonorrhoea and syphilis. A broader array of intervention strategies aimed at adolescents should be reinforced through strong prevention campaigns, improved sexual health information, as well as encouragement of regular offers of STI screening by healthcare providers.

Evaluation of Self-Collection as a Method of Extragenital STI Screening.

The goal of this study is to improve overall screening, detection, and treatment of Neisseria gonorrhea (GC) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) at our institution. An observational study with two phases was conducted at a U.S. Army Medical Center. Previously collected samples from January 2014 through December 2015 were compared to prospectively collected data from March 2016 through December 2017. All data were collected from a convenience sample of active duty, HIV-positive men who have sex with men. Concordance between provider-collected and self-collected extragenital screening (EGS) samples was evaluated. The rate of detection using EGS was higher than previously found using urogenital screening alone. Our prospective analysis revealed that expanding screening to include extragenital sites increased rates of detection of GC and CT. Our rates of GC detection at the pharynx and rectum, and CT detection at the rectum, were higher than those reported in the literature for men who have sex with men. Rates of CT infection at the pharynx were comparable with those reported in the literature. Detection of GC at the pharynx was exactly concordant between self-collected and provider-collected samples. Concordance of GC and CT detection at the rectum was very good. The kappa coefficient for detection of CT at the pharynx was zero, which corresponded to 44 out of 45 concordant observations. Prior to implementation of EGS at our institution, we missed the opportunity to detect a substantial number of GC/CT infections with urogenital screening alone. Our results suggest that self-collection is a reliable method of EGS as compared to provider collection of samples.

Pooling of urine samples for molecular detection of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium as a screening strategy among young adults in Catalonia

IntroductionBacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have an important impact on reproductive health, highlighting the increase in Chlamydia trachomatis infection rates among young people. To reduce the costs of STI detection, the pooling strategy is beneficial for high-throughput tests in low-prevalence populations using non-invasive samples. Objectives(1) To describe the performance of a 7-STI PCR assay using the pooling of three urine samples to detect C. trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium; (2) to estimate the cost saving of the pooling strategy; (3) to describe the prevalence, risk factors and coinfections of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae and M. genitalium in young people ≤25 years in Catalonia. Methodscross-sectional prevalence study conducted in 2016 among young people ≤25 years of age seen in sexual and reproductive health centres throughout Catalonia from pools of three urine samples. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect clinical-epidemiological and behavioural variables. Results1032 young people were tested. The prevalence of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae and M. genitalium was 8.5%, 0.6% and 3.5%, respectively. The pooling strategy provided a 33% savings in reagent costs. ConclusionsThe pooling strategy implemented for epidemiological studies in our context provides a savings that has an impact on the viability of STI detection programmes. In the same way, this study shows that C. trachomatis prevalence continues to increase in this population and, for the first time in Catalonia, the prevalence of M. genitalium in young people is shown.

Pooling of urine samples for molecular detection of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium as a screening strategy among young adults in Catalonia

IntroductionBacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have an important impact on reproductive health, highlighting the increase in Chlamydia trachomatis infection rates among young people. To reduce the costs of STI detection, the pooling strategy is beneficial for high-throughput tests in low-prevalence populations using non-invasive samples. Objectives(1) To describe the performance of a 7-STI PCR assay using the pooling of three urine samples to detect C. trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium; (2) to estimate the cost saving of the pooling strategy; (3) to describe the prevalence, risk factors and coinfections of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae and M. genitalium in young people ≤25 years in Catalonia. Methodscross-sectional prevalence study conducted in 2016 among young people ≤25 years of age seen in sexual and reproductive health centres throughout Catalonia from pools of three urine samples. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect clinical-epidemiological and behavioural variables. Results1032 young people were tested. The prevalence of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae and M. genitalium was 8.5%, 0.6% and 3.5%, respectively. The pooling strategy provided a 33% savings in reagent costs. ConclusionsThe pooling strategy implemented for epidemiological studies in our context provides a savings that has an impact on the viability of STI detection programmes. In the same way, this study shows that C. trachomatis prevalence continues to increase in this population and, for the first time in Catalonia, the prevalence of M. genitalium in young people is shown.

Molecular Evidence of Chlamydia trachomatis Infection and Its Relation to Miscarriage.

BackgroundChlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the world that can persist and also ascend in the genital tract. This intracellular and silent infection is related to some adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as miscarriage. The aims of this study were to explore the best CT screening tests using blood and vaginal samples and to investigate the correlation between CT infection and the incidence of miscarriage.Materials and MethodsThis case-control study was done in October 2013 through June 2014, using purposive sampling from 157 female participants with or without a history of miscarriage. The samples were taken after each participant had signed a letter of consent and had completed a questionnaire. To achieve the objectives of this study, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests were performed on vaginal swabs and blood samples, respectively.ResultsPCR results showed a significantly higher CT infection rate in the miscarriage group compared to the control group (11.3 vs. 0%, P=0.007). Anti-CT IgG and IgA antibodies were found in 4.2 and 2.1% of cases in the miscarriage group, and in 1.7 and 6.7% of cases in the control group, respectively (P>0.05). Despite lower humoral responses in this study, positive samples were detected only by one of the following techniques; PCR, ELISA IgA and ELISA IgG. It also should be noted that PCR worked best in terms of detection.ConclusionBased on the obtained data, there is a strong association between molecular evidence of CT infection and miscarriage. A higher rate of CT detection in molecular tests compared to serological assays suggests that PCR could be used as the first-choice assay for detection of C. trachomatis. However, the importance of serological tests in detecting potential past CT infection or upper genital infection not amenable to sampling is undeniable.

The treatment effect of Chlamydia trachomatis urogenital infection from 2006 to 2010 in Tianjin

Objective To investigate the efficacy of widely used antibiotics for urogenital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in recent 5 years. Methods A total of 2 809 cases of Chlamydia trachomatis urogenital infected patients who visited STD clinics of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from 2006 to 2010 were collected. All the patients had accomplished a course of treatment of azithromycin, minocycline, moxifloxacin or clarithromycin and followed up for 3 months (once every month). Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to analyzed the antibiotics effect changing trends overtime. Results From 2006 to 2010, the etiology clearance rates of azithromycin were 76.70% (79/103), 74.19% (92/124), 74.13% (106/143), 71.43% (100/140) and 70.77% (92/130), respectively; those of minocycline were 75.31% (61/81), 64.67% (97/150), 66.53% (159/239), 65.05% (188/289) and 63.03% (104/165), respectively; those of moxifloxacin were 88.82% (167/188), 86.23% (119/138), 82.96% (185/223), 81.19% (233/287) and 81.03% (158/37), respectively; those of clarithromycin were 82.93% (34/41), 80.49% (33/41), 79.25% (42/53), 78.18% (43/55) and 75.00% (18/24), respectively. Ochran-Armitage trend test showed that antimicrobial efficacy of moxifloxacin for urogenital Chlamydia trachomatis infection rates declined year by year (P 0.05). Conclusions The etiology clearance rate of moxifloxacin is the highest but gradually declines by years, and that of azithromycin takes the second place, while the treatment efficacy of minocycline is lower but quite stable. The number of cases treated with clarithromycin is too small to draw a conclusion. Key words: Chlamydia trachomatis; Uregenital infection; Antibiotic; Efficacy analysis

Striking ethnic variations in the epidemiology of Chlamydia trachomatis in Haifa District, Israel, throughout the years 2001-2015.

Our objectives were to examine trends in the incidence of chlamydia over an extended period and compare the epidemiology of the infection between two distinct ethnic groups in Israel: Jews and Arabs. We examined the incidence rate of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among residents of Haifa District, northern Israel from 2001 to 2015, by reviewing archives of the Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health. Notified cases were stratified by age group, gender, and ethnic group. The overall incidence rate of Chlamydia was 10.8 cases per 100,000 population per year. The annual rate increased dramatically from 5.1 per 100,000 population in 2001, to an all-time high of 18.5 cases per 100,000 population in 2015 (P < 0.001), representing an increase of 362.7%. The most affected age group was 25-34 years of age. The estimated rate among Jewish inhabitants was ninefold higher than among Arabs. Only 3% recurrent episodes of Chlamydia were registered. The prevalence of HIV positivity among Chlamydia-infected patients was similar to that of the general population. In conclusion, Chlamydia in Haifa has been continuously increasing since 2001 and the infection is much more prevalent among patients of Jewish ethnicity, mainly due to more hazardous sexual practices in this population.

The Impact of Routine Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) Screening during Pregnancy on the Seroepidemiology of Chlamydial Infection in Children, 1991–2015

BackgroundCT remains the most prevalent STI in developed and developing countries.Prenatal screening and treatment of pregnant women has resulted in a dramatic decrease of perinatal CT infection. There have been limited seroepidemiologic studies in unselected children and adolescents following the implementation of routine CT screening as first recommended by the CDC in 1993.MethodsAnonymized banked sera (-80°C) and prospectively collected sera from children and adolescents in Brooklyn, NY, were tested for anti-CT IgG via a validated enzyme immunoassay. Serum samples were divided by collection years: Group 1 (1991–1995, prescreening) and Group 2 (2012–2015, post-screening). Infants <1 year of age were excluded due to interference of maternal antibody. Maternal screening and CT infection rates during pregnancy were determined via a retrospective review of 200 random charts (2016–2017). Statistical analysis by Fisher’s exact test.Results297 serum samples were identified (age range 1–20 years). 18.5% (10/54) of subjects ≤10 years of age in Group 1 tested positive for anti-CT IgG, while none tested positive in Group 2 (0/55), P = .0006. Children >10 years had a prevalence of 10.3% (3/29) in Group 1 and 7.5% (12/159) in Group 2, P = .7. Maternal screening rate was estimated at 95.5%, with 100% screened if <25 years of age. The rate of maternal CT infection during pregnancy was 4.5% (9/200) overall, 8% (4/49) in <25 year olds and 3.3% (5/151) in ≥25 year olds.ConclusionChildren ≤10 years of age in the prescreening group (1991–1995) had relatively high rates of seropositivity, likely due to persistence of antibody from perinatal infection. The absence of CT antibody in children ≤10 years of age in the post-screening group (2012–2015) and the high rate of prenatal screening (>95%) in this high-risk population suggest prenatal screening and treatment of pregnant women has been effective at preventing perinatal CT infection.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

PD20-06 PRESENCE OF SEROTYPE H EXHIBITS MILDER SYMPTOMATIC CHARACTERISTICS IN AGED MEN THAN OTHER SEROTYPES

You have accessJournal of UrologyInfections/Inflammation/Cystic Disease of the Genitourinary Tract: Prostate & Genitalia I1 Apr 2016PD20-06 PRESENCE OF SEROTYPE H EXHIBITS MILDER SYMPTOMATIC CHARACTERISTICS IN AGED MEN THAN OTHER SEROTYPES Yu Seo and Gil Lee Yu SeoYu Seo More articles by this author and Gil LeeGil Lee More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2016.02.1419AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES The rate of Chlamydia trachomatis infection has been steadily increasing over the past decade. Extant research on genital chlamydia screening focuses primarily on women. Furthermore, current clinical practices do not recommend routine chlamydia screening for middle aged heterosexual men showing little or no symptoms. Consequently, these men are often omitted from studies on genital chlamydia infection, resulting in limited availability of their epidemiological data. Chlamydia ompA gene has unique regions for evading host immunity. Therefore, certain ompA genotype may have a selective advantage for its survival. In this study, we evaluated the patterns of urinary chlamydia ompA genotypes in men who visited the clinic with or without symptoms and signs of urethritis and investigated the effects of different genotypes on clinical features. METHODS We routinely collected 685 urine samples from participants from January 2009 to April 2012. In addition, we included four stored urine specimens from four urethritis patients collected in 2008. A multiplex PCR was performed using KL1-KL2 primers for chlamydia infection and HO1-HO3 primers for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and the amplified ompA products were sent to determine the nucleotide sequences. RESULTS The mean age (Yrs ± SD) is 37.38±11.97. The serotypes, in order of prevalence, are serotype H (69.23%, n=27), followed by E (12.82%, n=5), F (7.69%, n=3), D (7.69%, n=3), and J (2.56%, n=1). We find a substantial difference in age between serotype H and the other serotypes (D, E, F, and J) (p=0.004, nonparametric analysis) (Table 1). In addition, men with serotype H showed milder symptom (urethral discharge, P=0.001) and sign (pyuria, P=0.001) than the other serotypes (Table 1). CONCLUSIONS The presence of serotype H was associated reduced symptomatic characteristics in middle aged men compared to other serotypes. This mild nature of senotype H may facilitate the spread of infection as the infected persons do not visit the clinic and hence clinicians cannot evaluate the infection. © 2016FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 195Issue 4SApril 2016Page: e452-e453 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2016MetricsAuthor Information Yu Seo More articles by this author Gil Lee More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Reduced prevalence of chronic tubal inflammation in tubal pregnancies after levonorgestrel emergency contraception failure.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to compare chronic fallopian tubal inflammatory disease and fibrosis between patients with general tubal pregnancy (TP) and TP with levonorgestrel (LNG) emergency contraception (EC) failure.MethodsWe retrospectively studied patients with general TP (n = 79) and TP following LNG‐EC failure (n = 81) within the same conception cycle. Information on the gynecological features of each subject was collected. Pelvic inflammatory disease and associated sequelae were assessed by the serum Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) IgG test, laparoscopic evaluation of tubal damage, and histopathological observation of tube tissues. Chi‐square and Student's t‐tests were employed to determine the difference between the two groups.ResultsCompared with general TP, cases of TP following LNG‐EC failure subjects were less likely to have a history of previous ectopic pregnancy (5.06% vs. 18.52%, p = 0.009) and adnexal surgery (6.33% vs. 22.22%, p = 0.010). Patients with TP following LNG‐EC failure were less likely to have pelvic inflammatory disease and associated sequelae than those with general TP, as revealed by positive reaction to anti‐CT IgG (18.18% vs. 35.94%, p = 0.031), assessment of tubal damage (grade I: 5.06% vs. 17.28%; grade II: 2.53% vs. 11.11%; grade III: 1.27% vs. 6.17%; p = 0.001), infiltration of chronic inflammatory cells (10.91% vs. 62.50%, p < 0.001), and positive Masson's staining (7.69% vs. 39.58%; p < 0.001).ConclusionsCompared with cases of general TP, cases of TP following LNG‐EC failure exhibited reduced rates of CT infection, fallopian tubal inflammation, and/or fibrosis. © 2015 The Authors. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Screening for Asymptomatic Extragenital Gonorrhea and Chlamydia in Men Who Have Sex with Men: Significance, Recommendations, and Options for Overcoming Barriers to Testing

Men who have sex with men (MSM) have a disproportionately greater risk than other populations of acquiring Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC), the two most commonly reported notifiable diseases in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The presence of either of these diseases is a significant risk factor for the acquisition and transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Recent studies have shown that significant rates of asymptomatic GC and CT infection are found at the extragenital oropharygeal and rectal sites in MSM, with or without concurrent urogenital infection. However, extragenital sites are not being routinely screened and, thus, many asymptomatic GC and CT infections at the oropharyngeal and rectal sites may go undiagnosed. This review will begin with the current evidence-based screening recommendations for extragenital GC and CT in MSM. This will be followed by recently reported extragenital GC and CT infection rates in asymptomatic MSM, and a discussion of the risks and potential implications of undiagnosed extragenital GC and CT infections. Finally, a discussion on the frequency of, and potential barriers to, screening will be presented with a summary of potential interventions for increasing screening frequency found in the literature. The scope of this review will focus primarily on U.S. recommendations, infection rates, and screening frequencies, with the inclusion of relevant international recommendations and studies for comparative and illustrative purposes.

Sexually transmitted infections in adolescents: Maximizing opportunities for optimal care

Sexually transmitted infections are a growing public health concern in Canada, with rates of Chlamydia trachomatis infection, gonorrhea and syphilis increasing among adolescents and young adults. The present practice point outlines epidemiology, risk factors, laboratory testing and management for C trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Treponema pallidum, with a lesser focus on HIV. The need for test-of-cure and indications for further investigations are also discussed. The importance of maximizing opportunities to screen for and treat sexually transmitted infections in this age group is highlighted.

Scoring system avoids Chlamydia trachomatis overscreening in women seeking surgical abortions.

To develop and validate a predictive score to avoid unnecessary screening and prophylactic antibiotic use in abortion clinics by identifying a group of women who are at very low risk for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection. This population-based retrospective study includes 1000 women who underwent surgical abortion between January and September 2010. The main outcome measure was the rate of CT infection among women seeking an induced abortion according to sociodemographic and clinical data. The score was developed by using two-thirds of the data set as the derivation sample to identify the strongest predictors of CT. A receiver operating characteristic curve established cutoffs and applied the score to the remaining one-third (validation sample). The rate of CT infection was 6.7%. Three criteria were independently associated with CT: gestation more than 10 weeks (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.96; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.06-3.64), not using contraception (aOR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.41-5.16), and having 0 or 1 child (aOR, 3.46; 95% CI, 1.34-8.93). The CT score was based on these 3 criteria. The low-risk group was derived from values of the score (probability of CT, 1.3% [95% CI, 0-3.0]). Application of these criteria to the validation data set confirmed the diagnostic accuracy of the score (probability of CT, 0%). Sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 26.9% for the score in the validation data set. When applied to the validation data set, the score avoided 25.4% of CT tests and screened 100% of CT-infected women before surgical abortion. This easy-to-calculate score may prove useful for avoiding CT test in 25% of patients seeking surgical abortion.

Chlamydia trachomatis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Distribution and Sexual Behaviors across Gender and Age Group in an African Setting

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to (1) describe the distribution of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases across gender and age groups in Libreville (Gabon); (2) examine Gabonese Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)-related risk behaviour.MethodsThe sampled population was people attending the “Laboratoire National de Santé Plublique”. Between 2007 and 2011, 14 667 and 9 542 people respectively, were tested for CT and HIV infections. 1 854 of them were tested for both infections. We calculated CT and HIV rates across gender and age groups. Also analysed was the groups' contribution to the general CT and HIV epidemiology.STIs-related risk behaviours were assessed in 224 men and 795 women (between July 2011 and March 2013) who agreed and answered a questionnaire including questions on their marital status, number of sex partners, sexual practices, history of STIs, sex frequency and condom use.ResultsData showed a 24% dropped in the CT infection rate between 2007 and 2010, followed by a 14% increase in 2011. The HIV infection rates for the same period were between 15% and 16%. The risk of a CT-positive subject getting HIV is about 0.71 times the risk of a CT-negative subject.Young adult aged between 18 and 35 years old represented 65.2% of people who had STIs. 80% of women and 66% of men confessed to an inconsistent use of condoms. 11.6% of women and 48% of men declared having multiple sex partners. 61% of questioned women and 67% of men declared knowing their HIV status.ConclusionsIn this Gabonese setting, the population-aged from18 to 35 years is the most affected by STIs. Other matters of concern are the inconsistent use of protection and sex with non-spousal or non-life partners.

Chlamydia trachomatis epidemiology in Canadians of Chinese ethnicity: a population-based study.

To compare the rates of Chlamydia trachomatis infection between those of Chinese ethnicity and non-Chinese ethnicity in a large Canadian urban setting. We examined rates of Chlamydia among residents of Vancouver and Richmond, Canada, by Chinese and non-Chinese ethnicity, from 2006 to 2010. We stratified cases by age group, sex and ethnicity. We analyzed 12,555 cases of Chlamydia from 2006 to 2010. The overall rate of Chlamydia was 276 per 100,000 per year. Chlamydia rates were 236 per 100,000 among those of Chinese ethnicity and 338 per 100,000 among non-Chinese. While overall rates among individuals of Chinese ethnicity were lower, rates among older Chinese women were significantly higher than among their non-Chinese counterparts. Physicians serving patients of Chinese ethnicity should be aware that rates among Chinese-Canadians are substantial, with rates among older women higher than among non-Chinese women, and they should consider this when screening for sexually transmitted infections in this population. Further research is needed to elucidate why this is the case.

Chlamydia trachomatis infection rates among a cohort of mobile soldiers stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 2005–2010

BackgroundFort Bragg, a large Army installation with reported high Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infection rates, is characterized by a highly mobile population and a surrounding Ct-endemic community. We assessed the rates of Ct incidence and recurrence among the installation’s active component Army personnel and determined the association of soldier transience, sociodemographic factors, and history of sexually transmitted infection (STI) with these rates.MethodsA cohort of soldiers stationed at Fort Bragg during 2005 to mid-2010 was followed for incident and recurrent Ct infection using laboratory-confirmed reportable disease data. Linkage to demographic and administrative data permitted multivariate analysis to determine association of covariates with initial or recurrent infection.ResultsAmong 67,425 soldiers, 2,198 (3.3%) contracted an incident Ct infection (crude incidence, 21.7 per 1,000 person-years). Among soldiers followed for incident infection, 223 (10.6%, crude incidence 110.8 per 1,000 person-years) contracted a recurrent Ct infection. Being female, of lower rank, under 26 years of age, of non-white race, single, or with a high school diploma or less was significantly associated with incident Ct infection. Having breaks in duty or having deployments during follow-up was associated with a lower infection rate. Among women, having prior deployments was associated with a lower rate of both incident and recurrent infection. Specifically associated with recurrent infection in women was age under 21 years or no education beyond high school.ConclusionsThis analysis reaffirms risk factors for Ct infection determined in other studies. In addition, infection risk was lower for more mobile soldiers and tied to the specific location of their regular duty assignment. The findings support the STI prevention efforts at Fort Bragg and the surrounding community, regardless of how often or for how long soldiers have deployed for military operations.