[Which women should be tested for Chlamydia trachomatis in general practice?]

Specimens to test for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae were collected as a routine from female patients undergoing gynecological examinations in general practice. In 3.9% of 517 non-pregnant women the culture for C trachomatis was positive. None were infected with N gonorrhoeae. C trachomatis was detected in ten of 138 (7.2%) women with genital symptoms, compared with ten of 379 (2.6%) without symptoms. The annual incidence rate for C trachomatis in asymptomatic patients was 0.3% for women older than 25 years, and 5.4% for women younger than 25 years. Routine testing for C trachomatis is recommended during gynecological examination in general practice of asymptomatic women younger than 25 years. Tests should be taken at minimum two-year intervals. Routine tests for N gonorrhoeae are not recommended.