Chlamydia trachomatis infections in the female rectums

Area of Science:

• Genitourinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Chlamydia trachomatis is a common sexually transmitted infection.
• Rectal infections are often asymptomatic or misdiagnosed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of rectal Chlamydia trachomatis infection in women attending a genitourinary medicine clinic.
• To assess the association between rectal Chlamydia trachomatis infection and symptoms of proctitis.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 115 new women patients.
• Rectal swabs for Chlamydia trachomatis testing.
• Impression smears for semiquantitative assessment of proctitis.
• Data collection on bowel habits, symptoms, and sexual practices.

Main Results:

• Chlamydia trachomatis was detected in 13% of cervices and 5% of rectums.
• Rectal infection was significantly associated with rectal bleeding (p<0.05) and microscopic proctitis (p<0.01).
• No significant association was found between rectal infection and diarrhea or macroscopic proctitis.

Conclusions:

• Rectal Chlamydia trachomatis infection is prevalent in women attending genitourinary medicine clinics.
• Rectal bleeding and microscopic proctitis are indicators of potential rectal Chlamydia trachomatis infection.
• Consideration of rectal screening for Chlamydia trachomatis in symptomatic patients is warranted.