Evidence-based guidelines for the management of genital chlamydial infection in general practice

Background. Valid clinical guidelines can be effective in improving patient care. Genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the commonest curable sex ually transmitted disease (STD) in England and Wales and is an important ca use of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), tubal infertility and ectopic pre gnancy. No published guidelines exist on managing genital chlamydial infect ion in British general practice. Objective. We aimed to develop valid guidelines for the management of genit al chlamydial infection for use in British general practice. Methods. A district-wide postal questionnaire survey was used to document c urrent clinical practice. A critical review of the evidence concerning the management of genital chlamydial infection as it relates to British general practice was performed. The information gained from the critical review an d survey was used to develop evidence-based guidelines within a multidiscip linary guideline recommendation group. Results. The guidelines covered the diagnosis, investigation, drug treatmen t and referral of adult male and female patients with genital chlamydial in fection in general practice. Conclusion. Valid guidelines for the management of genital chlamydial infec tion have been developed for use in British general practice. Appropriate d issemination and implementation of the guidelines should lead to earlier de tection and treatment of men and women with chlamydial infection and thereb y reduce the incidence of PID, tubal infertility and ectopic pregnancy in w omen.