Chlamydia trachomatis Infection: Screening and Management.

OBJECTIVE

To review current criteria and rationale for Chlamydia trachomatis screening, testing methods, and treatment of infection.

METHODS

Review of the literature.

RESULTS

C. trachomatis urogenital infections are an important public health problem. Screening for C. trachomatis in women age 25 and younger and men and women of any age at increased risk allows for the early treatment of disease, avoiding morbidity such as pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain, and reducing health care costs.

CONCLUSION

Current screening recommendations are not being implemented satisfactorily. Home-based methods of screening are acceptable and may improve universal screening rates.