A new visual indicator of chlamydial cervicitis?

Objectives: To determine the usefulness of endocervical discharge opacity a s a risk indicator for chlamydial infection in relation to two acknowledged visual indicators-yellow endocervical discharge and easily induced mucosal bleeding of the cervix. Methods: Women from two family planning clinics, a therapeutic abortion cli nic, and a university student health clinic (n=1418 total) consented to a p elvic examination and chlamydia testing, and completed a questionnaire on s ociodemographics, sexual behaviour, medical history, and symptoms. A case o f chlamydia was defined as positive by culture or blocked enzyme immunoassa y in an endocervical swab. Results: The prevalence of chlamydial infection in the clinics was 6.3%. Al l three of the visual indicators-yellow endocervical discharge, easily indu ced bleeding, and opaque cervical discharge-were statistically significantl y and independently associated with chlamydial infection (odds ratios 2.8, 2.3, and 2.9 respectively), independent of clinic type. Adjustment for the other visual indicators made little difference to the odds ratios. Conclusion: Opacity of endocervical discharge was at least as important as the other two commonly acknowledged indicators of chlamydial cervicitis-yel low endocervical discharge and easily induced mucosal bleeding of the cervi x.