Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
Forward Genetic Approaches in Chlamydia trachomatis
Published on: October 23, 2013
Epidemiology of gonococcal and chlamydial infections in Harrow and Brent
1Department of Genitourinary Medicine, St Marks NHS Trust, Harrow, Middlesex, UK.
Insights
This study analyzed the epidemiology of gonorrhoea and chlamydial infections in an outer London district. Chlamydial infections were more common in women and spread evenly, unlike gonorrhoea, highlighting the need for targeted STD control efforts.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including gonorrhoea and chlamydial infections, pose significant public health challenges.
- Understanding the distribution and risk factors of these infections is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiology and clinical features of gonorrhoea and chlamydial infections.
- To profile sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) within an outer London health district.
Main Methods:
- A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted.
- Data were collected from 70 individuals with gonorrhoea and 129 with chlamydial infection over 28 months (1992-94).
Main Results:
- More men than women had gonorrhoea, while women predominated in chlamydial infections (p < 0.001).
- Infections showed a tendency to cluster along transport routes, with gonorrhoea concentrated in densely populated areas and chlamydia more evenly spread.
- Specific demographic and behavioral factors were associated with higher odds of infection for each gender and STD type.
Conclusions:
- The spatial distribution of gonococcal and chlamydial infections along transport routes warrants further investigation.
- The even distribution of chlamydial infections, contrasting with gonorrhoea, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive local STD control measures.
Objective:
To describe the epidemiology and associated clinical features of gonorrhoea and chlamydial infection and to develop a profile of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in an outer London health district.
Design:
Hospital-based retrospective study.
Setting:
Genitourinary medicine clinic, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow and Brent Health Authority.
Subjects:
70 male and female individuals with gonorrhoea and 129 with chlamydial infection, diagnosed consecutively over 28 months in 1992-94.
Results:
More men than women had gonorrhoea (43 versus 27) but more women than men had chlamydial infection (84 versus 45), p < 0.001. There was a clear tendency for cases with either infection to locate along major road and rail transport routes. Foci of gonococcal infection were concentrated mainly in the densely populated areas, whereas chlamydial cases were more evenly spread. There was no significant effect of gender or type of STD on the odds ratio for residence in Harrow, single marital status or attendance for test of cure. However, the odds ratios for women having sexual intercourse with a regular partner only or previous STD were 5 (95% CI 2.4 to 10.2), p < 0.001 and 0.3 (95% CI 0.18 to 0.69), p = 0.002 times the odds for men, respectively. The odds ratios for patients with gonococcal infection being employed or having sex with a regular partner only were 0.5 (95% CI 0.27 to 0.98), p = 0.04 and 0.30 (95% CI 0.15 to 0.60), p < 0.001 times the odds for patients with chlamydial infection, respectively. Of the women with gonorrhoea and previous pregnancy, 68% gave a history of abortion compared with 44% of those with chlamydial infection (p = 0.03).
Conclusion:
The identification of foci gonococcal and chlamydial infection and apparent location of these infections along the major transport routes in our health district require further study. That chlamydial infection, unlike gonorrhoea, is evenly distributed irrespective of population concentration and deprivation, suggests urgent need for a comprehensive local effort to control both STDs.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies. Common...
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
01:29Bacterial Phylum Chlamydiae
01:18Trichomoniasis