Screening for chlamydia in general practice

To determine the prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in young patients presenting to general practitioners and to evaluate selective screening, based on risk factors, including gender.

A cross sectional survey of 508 consecutive patients aged 18-24, presenting to six general practices and one youth clinic in Mackay, North Queensland. We screened urine for chlamydia using Ligase chain reaction.

Of 508 samples, 25 were positive (5%). The only factors with increased risks of infection were attendance at a youth clinic and recent change in sexual partner. It was as high in men as in women.

Prevalence of chlamydia infection may be high enough to support screening of all patients aged 18-24, depending on cost effectiveness studies.