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Forward Genetic Approaches in Chlamydia trachomatis
Published on: October 23, 2013
Screening for chlamydial infection
1Division of Medical Informatics and Outcomes Research and Evidence-based Practice Center, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon 97201-3098, USA. nelsonh@ohsu.edu
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|April 18, 2001
Summary
Screening women for chlamydial infection reduces pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) incidence. Age under 25 is a key risk factor, and DNA amplification tests offer accurate detection for both men and women.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Chlamydial infection is a common sexually transmitted infection with potential long-term health consequences.
- Previous recommendations for screening and treatment were established in 1996.
- Updated evidence is needed to inform current screening strategies for chlamydia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of chlamydial infection screening and early treatment.
- To assess screening strategies for nonpregnant women, pregnant women, and men.
- To review the accuracy of diagnostic tests used for chlamydia screening.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of studies from January 1994 to July 2000.
- Databases searched include MEDLINE, HealthSTAR, and Cochrane Library.
- Inclusion criteria focused on *Chlamydia trachomatis* genitourinary infections and screening effectiveness, risk factors, and test accuracy.
Main Results:
- Screening women, particularly those under 25, reduces pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) incidence.
- DNA amplification tests using various specimen types show high sensitivity and specificity for detecting chlamydia.
- Limited data exist on screening effectiveness in pregnant women and men; age remains a primary risk factor.
Conclusions:
- Screening for *Chlamydia trachomatis* in women is effective in reducing PID incidence.
- Current diagnostic tests, especially DNA amplification methods, are accurate for screening men and women.
- Further research is needed to establish the benefits of screening asymptomatic men.
