Chlamydia trachomatis Screening

ANSWER: B


It is estimated that 70-90% of women and a large percentage of men with Chlamydia trachomatis infection are asymptomatic. The most predictive risk factor for the presence of the disease is sexual activity at a young age. Other risks include being unmarried, African-American race, a past history of sexually transmitted disease, new or multiple sexual partners, cervical ectopy, and inconsistent use of barrier contraceptives. Asymptomatic Chlamydia infection can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and result in ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and chronic pelvic pain in women.


There are good screening tests available and effective treatments for women with the disease. Unfortunately, there are currently no studies describing the effectiveness of routine screening or early treatment of men. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force strongly recommends (class A) routine screening for Chlamydia infection in all sexually active women 25 years and younger, as well as in other asymptomatic women at increased risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend routine screening of sexually active adolescent women and screening of older women who are at increased risk for the disease.


Ref: US Preventive Services Task Force: Screening for chlamydial infection: Recommendations and rationale. Am J Prev Med 2001; 20(3 Suppl):90-94.

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