[Chlamydia trachomatis infection: risk factors]

Genital Chlamydia Trachomatis (CT) infections are the most common cause of tubal infertility. Its prevalence is variable between the authors, but seems to be more frequent in the young population.

Evaluate the CT genital infection rate in a population consulting either in a sexually transmitted disease center (STD) or in a family planning unit (FPU). --Judge the interest of a routine screening, and by which technic. --Estimate the information level of population about STD and their prevention.

270 men and 331 women were detected by uretral or endocervix sample with an immunofluorescence method (Syva Microtrack). CT serology were also realised.

18.5% of man samples, 20% of woman samples in the STD center and 17.9% of woman samples in the FPU were positive for CT. There is a strong correlation between CT positivity and cervical discharge or cervicitis (RR = 4.64, p < 0.01). Serology was positive in 45.5%, 32.5% and 21.2% respectively for STD center's men, STD center's women and PFU's women. The correlation between samples and serology was 62%. Positive samples were more frequent in the 15-30 years old population and positive serology in the over 30 years old population (RR = 3.57, p < 0.01). There is a correlation between CT positive samples and nulliparity, multiple sexual partner and history of genital infection.

The high prevalence of CT genital infection observed in our centers justify a routine screening especially in the young population.