Management of Chlamydia trachomatis genital tract infection in Genitourinary Medicine clinics in the United Kingdom's North Thames Region 1999

Assessment of clinical management of Chlamydia trachomatis genital tract in fection was made, with particular regard to the UK National Guideline.(1) Q uestionnaires for self-completion, mailed to lead clinicians in 31 Genitour inary Medicine (GUM) clinics in the North Thames Region between May and Jun e 1999, focused on policies and practice. Audit of actual management of up to 10 most recent cases (5 male and 5 female) attending each clinic within the past 2 years was also undertaken. Twenty-two units (71% response) compl eted the survey questionnaire and 23 units (74% response) audited a total o f 229 cases (males=108, females=118, sex not stated=3). Findings indicate t hat GUM clinics are managing these infections largely as recommended in the national guideline. Nucleic acid amplification techniques will supersede e stablished diagnostic tests for GUM clinics in North Thames, increasing cos ts for the service, but also sensitivity of detection.