Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
09:03
Forward Genetic Approaches in Chlamydia trachomatis
Published on: October 23, 2013
Is screening for pharyngeal Chlamydia trachomatis warranted in high-risk groups?
1The Jefferiss Wing Centre for Sexual Health, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK. c.tipple@imperial.ac.uk
International Journal of STD & AIDS
|December 29, 2010
Summary
Pharyngeal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) screening in UK genitourinary medicine clinics is limited. However, high-risk groups like sex workers show a 1.9% CT prevalence, suggesting targeted screening may be beneficial.
Area of Science:
- Genitourinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Limited availability of pharyngeal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) testing in UK genitourinary medicine clinics.
- High-risk populations, including sex workers, are potential reservoirs for pharyngeal CT transmission.
- Current British Association of Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) guidelines do not recommend routine pharyngeal CT screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of pharyngeal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) in high-risk patients attending a genitourinary medicine clinic.
- To evaluate the potential role of targeted pharyngeal CT screening in specific high-risk populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case-note review of 2406 patients screened for pharyngeal CT between November 2006 and October 2007.
- Analysis of patient demographics and sexual history, including number of sexual partners and condom use.
- Calculation of pharyngeal CT prevalence in the studied population.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of pharyngeal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) was 1.9% in both male and female patients.
- Female sex workers (FSWs) reported a mean of 168 sexual partners, and male sex workers (MSWs) reported 56 in the preceding three months.
- Lack of consistent condom use and high partner numbers were noted in this high-risk population.
Conclusions:
- Pharyngeal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is present in a significant proportion of high-risk individuals attending genitourinary medicine clinics.
- The high number of sexual partners and inconsistent condom use among sex workers highlight their potential role as core transmitters.
- Targeted screening for pharyngeal CT may be warranted in selected high-risk populations despite current guidelines.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
01:29Bacterial Phylum Chlamydiae
The phylum Chlamydiae or Chlamydiota is composed of a single order, Chlamydiales. This phylum consists entirely of obligate intracellular parasites that infect eukaryotic hosts. While human pathogens within this group have been studied extensively, the phylum encompasses many species capable of interacting with various eukaryotic organisms. Members of Chlamydiae are typically small cocci, approximately 0.5 μm in diameter, and exhibit a distinctive developmental cycle. As is characteristic of...
01:18Trichomoniasis
Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoan parasite and the causative agent of trichomoniasis, one of the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infections in the United States. This extracellular parasite primarily colonizes the lower genitourinary tract in women—particularly the vagina—and in men, the urethra and prostate. Its structural and functional adaptations enable its survival, motility, and pathogenicity within the host environment.Structural Features and Host EntryT.
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
01:28Amebiasis
Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...