Genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection - a study on testing in general practice

Genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection is prevalent in Australia. Although testing rates are increasing, studies suggest that levels of testing of asymptomatic, sexually active people aged 16-29 years remain relatively low. Various barriers to testing in general practice have been identified. This article reports on one component of a study conducted to gain an understanding of chlamydia management in general practice in northern Queensland.

Nine general practices participated in a prospective audit over a 3 month period, which recorded the reason for chlamydia testing and if a follow up visit for test results was recommended.

A total of 521 patients had chlamydia testing recorded, with females comprising over three-quarters of patients (77%). Asymptomatic presentations accounted for 50% of referrals for testing; of these, less than half had a recommendation for follow up of test results recorded (41%). Patients with a known positive case contact were most often recommended for follow up (59%).

Half of those undergoing chlamydia testing were asymptomatic, with a third screened at the time of Pap testing. This suggests that general practitioners are appropriately initiating chlamydia screening with Pap tests.There is potential to increase rates of opportunistic testing for asymptomatic women.