RISK-FACTORS FOR RECURRENT CHLAMYDIA-TRACHOMATIS INFECTIONS IN WOMEN

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated risk factors for recurrent Chlamydia trachomat is infections in women. STUDY DESIGN: We used a retrospective cohort d esign to examine predictors of recurrent infection in the 38,866 femal e residents of Wisconsin whose first reported C. trachomatis infection occurred between 1985 and 1989. RESULTS: Young age at first reported infection was the strongest predictor of recurrent C. trachomatis infe ction, after adjustment for covariates. Adolescents < 15 years old had an eightfold increased risk, those 15 to 19 years old had a fivefold increased risk, and women 20 to 29 years old had a twofold increased r isk of recurrent C. trachomatis infection, compared wit; that among wo men 30 to 44 years old. In 54% of those aged < 15 at initial infection and 30% of those aged 15 to 19, recurrence developed. Other character istics associated with recurrence included black race, residence in Mi lwaukee County, coinfection with gonorrhea, and past sexually transmit ted diseases; receiving care in a family-planning clinic appeared prot ective. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of strategies to reduce the marked ly elevated risk of recurrent chlamydia infections is urgently needed in female adolescents.