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

Pearls are an independent product of the Cochrane primary care group and are meant for educational use and not to guide clinical care.

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