CHLAMYDIA INFECTION IN UK FAMILY-PLANNING CLINICS

Genital chlamydia trachomatis infection is the commonest curable sexua lly transmitted disease (STD) in England and Wales and is one of the c hief causes of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women. Infection i n women is complicated by the fact that the majority of women with thi s infection are asymptomatic. It is feasible for family planning clini cs (FPCs) to test for this infection and there has been debate as to w hich is the most appropriate screening strategy. The purpose of this l iterature review is to appraise critically the evidence regarding the prevalence of genital chlamydia infection in women attending UK FPCs. Estimates of prevalence range from three per cent to seven per cent bu t the methodological quality of the published studies is unsatisfactor y Possible screening strategies are also discussed. It is argued that the chlamydia screening strategy best supported by the evidence is one of selective screening based on known risk factors.