THE MANAGEMENT OF CHLAMYDIA-TRACHOMATIS GENITAL-INFECTION IN GENITOURINARY MEDICINE CLINICS IN THE WESSEX REGION

The management of cases of Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection dia gnosed in clinics in Wessex in the last quarter of 1996 was surveyed, and the results compared with those obtained in the national gonorrhoe a audit. Treatment regimens were extremely varied both between and wit hin clinics. Overall, 71% proof patients saw a health adviser, 74% ret urned for follow-up, and 96% of these were cured. Compared with the na tional gonorrhoea audit, fewer contacts were reported (1.2 vs 1.5), bu t more contacts were seen per index case (0.7 vs 0.5), and a higher pr oportion of contacts were seen (59% vs 33%). The figures were higher i n those who returned for a test of cure. Little data were available fo r contacts attending elsewhere for treament; communication networks am ong genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics are essential for effective c ontact tracing. Variations between clinics may reflect differences bet ween the populations served as well as in diagnostic methods and manag ement policies.