Genotyping of Chlamydia trachomatis would improve contact tracing
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 27, 2026

Forward Genetic Approaches in Chlamydia trachomatis
Published on: October 23, 2013
Lars Falk1, Margret Lindberg, Margaretha Jurstrand
1Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Orebro University Hospital, Orebro, Sweden. lars.falk@orebroll.se
Background:
The reported number of Chlamydia trachomatis genital infections has increased 15% annually since 1997 in Sweden. Inaccurate partner notification might be one reason.
Goal:
The goals were to determine if genotyping of C trachomatis would improve partner notification and to study the duration of infection.
Study Design:
Sexual networks were constructed. C trachomatis isolates from 231 individuals attending the Orebro STD clinic during 1 year were typed by sequencing of the omp1 gene.
Results:
All individuals were traced and diagnoses were established in 30 of 161 networks. More than one genotype was seen in seven networks. The mean duration of C trachomatis infection in each network was calculated to be 23 weeks.
Conclusion:
Genotyping could be a useful tool in partner notification when there are discrepant or uncommon genotypes. Limited clinic catchment areas create information difficulties that obstruct accurate contact tracing.
Related Concept Videos
Trichomoniasis
Karyotyping
Modern Molecular Taxonomy

