Who has chlamydia? The prevalence of genital tract Chlamydia trachomatis within Portsmouth and South East Hampshire, UK.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of genital tract Chlamydia trachomatis infection in women and men attending different health care settings in Portsmouth and South East Hampshire.

DESIGN

Prospective, opportunistic screening.

SETTING

Multiple health care sites.

PARTICIPANTS

Consenting sexually active women and men.

INTERVENTION: A urine sample was tested for Chlamydia trachomatis and positive patients were offered treatment and partner notification.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The presence or absence of chlamydia infection according to age, gender, health care setting and reason for attendance.

RESULTS

A total of 14,756 samples were tested giving an overall prevalence of 9.6%. The prevalence was significantly higher in women attending for a termination of pregnancy, antenatal care, women and men attending genitourinary medicine and in those with genital tract symptoms. The prevalence was different for men and women at different ages.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection was high but differed at various health care settings and by reason for attendance.