The value of a screen and treat policy for Chlamydia trachomatis in women attending for termination of pregnancy

We aimed to assess the efficiency of a screen and treat policy for sexually transmitted infections in women requesting termination of pregnancy, with particular reference to Chlamydia trachomatis. A retrospective review of 10 0 consecutive cases of Chyamydia-positive women between December 1995 and F ebruary 1998, was performed. The referral rate to genitourinary medicine (G UM), the subsequent management, contact tracing and treatment of partners w ere assessed. Ninty-nine women were referred to the GUM department, of whom 72 (71.4%) at tended. Eighteen (25%) required further treatment. Seventy-five women ident ified 89 potentially infected men, of whom 62 (69%) attended for treatment. Identification of positive cases with referral to GUM enabled tests of cure to be carried out, treatment of those re-infected and re-enforcement of be haviour modification, in addition to successful contact tracing. This polic y may confer greater benefit for the patient herself and make a significant impact on the reservoir of infection in the community when compared to a p olicy of blanket prophylactic antibiotic treatment at the time of terminati on. The implications for future service provision are discussed.