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A Human Fallopian Tube Model for Investigation of C. trachomatis Infections
Published on: August 11, 2012
Rectal chlamydia - should screening be recommended in women?
Nirina Andersson1, Jens Boman1, Elisabet Nylander1
1Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Dermatology and Venereology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
International Journal of STD & AIDS
|May 29, 2016
Summary
Rectal Chlamydia trachomatis infections are common in women, often without symptoms or reported anal sex. Testing all women at STI clinics, regardless of symptoms, is crucial to prevent further transmission of this common bacterial STI.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- Chlamydia trachomatis is a leading bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Europe.
- High prevalence suggests potential underdiagnosis, possibly from asymptomatic rectal infections.
- Understanding rectal infection patterns is key to controlling STI spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of rectal Chlamydia trachomatis.
- To correlate rectal infections with reported symptoms and sexual behaviors in women and men who have sex with men (MSM).
- To inform diagnostic and public health strategies for Chlamydia trachomatis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of rectal Chlamydia trachomatis testing data.
- Inclusion of patients attending STI clinics.
- Evaluation of infection rates against reported rectal symptoms and sexual practices (anal intercourse, urogenital infection status).
Main Results:
- Rectal Chlamydia trachomatis prevalence was 9.1% in women and 0.9% in MSM.
- No patients reported rectal symptoms associated with infection.
- A significant proportion of infected women denied anal intercourse (59.0%) or had no urogenital infection (18.8%).
Conclusions:
- Rectal Chlamydia trachomatis infections in women are frequently asymptomatic and may occur independently of anal intercourse or urogenital infection.
- Routine rectal Chlamydia trachomatis screening in women at STI clinics is recommended, irrespective of symptoms or sexual history.
- This approach can identify missed cases and reduce onward transmission of this prevalent bacterial STI.
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