Predictors of repeat Chlamydia trachomatis infections diagnosed by DNA amplification testing among inner city females.
Sex Transm Infect
; 77(1): 26-32, 2001 Feb.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-11158688
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
To describe the epidemiology of prevalent and incident chlamydia infection in order to assess the appropriate interval for chlamydia screening; and to identify risk factors predictive of infection and repeat infections.DESIGN:
Prospective longitudinal study of a consecutive sample of 3860 sexually active females aged 12-60 years tested for C. trachomatis by polymerase chain reaction in Baltimore City clinics during 11,904 patient visits over a 33 month period.RESULTS:
Chlamydia prevalence, incidence, and frequency to diagnosis of infection varied by age. Among 2073 females < 25 years, chlamydia infection was found in 31.2%. The median times to first and repeat incident infections were 7.0 months and 7.6 months, respectively. Among 1787 females > or = 25 years, chlamydia infection was found in 9.6%. Median times to first and repeat incident infections were 13.8 months and 11.0 months, respectively. Age < 25 years yielded the highest risk of infection.CONCLUSIONS:
Since a high burden of chlamydia was found among mostly asymptomatic females < 25 years in a spectrum of clinical settings, we recommend chlamydia screening for all sexually active females < 25 years at least twice yearly.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
DNA, Bacterial
/
Chlamydia Infections
/
Chlamydia trachomatis
/
Urban Health
Type of study:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Incidence_studies
/
Observational_studies
/
Prevalence_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Child
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Middle aged
Country/Region as subject:
America do norte
Language:
En
Journal:
Sex Transm Infect
Journal subject:
DOENCAS SEXUALMENTE TRANSMISSIVEIS
Year:
2001
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States