Re-testing for chlamydia important

January 01, 0001

Re-testing for chlamydia important

The aim of this study was to describe the frequency of the 3-month test for re-infection among sexual health service patients in Australia. The researchers in Australia assessed the re-testing rates at 30-120 days after chlamydia infection in men who have sex with men (MSM), heterosexual males and females attending sexual health services across Australia between 2004 and 2008.

In the 5-year period, 10 207 MSM, 28 530 heterosexual males and 31 190 heterosexual females were tested for chlamydia. Of those tested, 13.0% were positive. The proportion of patients with chlamydia infection who were re- tested in 30-120 days was 8.6% in MSM, 11.9% in heterosexual males and 17.8% in heterosexual females. Among MSM, chlamydia re-testing rates were lower in men aged less than 30 years (8.4%) than greater than or equal to 30 years (12.5%) (significant) and lower in travellers and migrants (2.9%) than non-travellers (9.9%) (significant). In heterosexual males, chlamydia re-testing rates were lower in men in regional and rural areas (10.5%) than metropolitan areas (13.5%) (significant). There was no increasing trend in re-testing rates between 2004 and 2008 (significant). Of the patients re-tested, 44.1% of MSM were positive, 21.0% of heterosexual males and 16.1% of females.

The researchers concluded: "The high chlamydia positivity at 30-120 days support recommendations that call for a 3-month test for re-infection following a positive test. The low re-testing rates highlight the need for innovative strategies to increase re-testing."

If we are to screen at all, this is important.


For the full abstract, click here.

Sexual Health 8(2):242-247, 18 May 2011
© CSIRO 1996-2011
Re-testing for chlamydia at sexual health services in Australia, 2004-08. Rebecca Guy, Handan Wand, Neil Franklin, et al and on behalf of the ACCESS Collaboration. Correspondence to Rebecca Guy: [email protected]

Category: X. Female Genital System, Breast, Y. Male Genital System, Breast. Keywords: re-infection, repeat testing, sexual health clinics, frequency, journal watch.
Synopsis edited by Dr Stephen Wilkinson, Melbourne, Australia. Posted on Global Family Doctor 27 May 2011

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