Screening of Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection in a young Parisian population

Abstract

Our study showed a 2.3% seroprevalence rate in the male population which is lower than the 6.6% incidence observed among high risk male youths in the United States. Among women we have shown a 3.9% incidence which is slightly lower than that observed in Finland in women attending a family clinic who exhibited a 5.6% incidence using the same methodology. In contrast our figures are similar to the results of a pan-European study involving 24 centers in 14 countries which showed a 3.9% incidence of genital chlamydial infections in women aged 16–32 years who had attended for contraceptive advice in family planning clinics. Younger females have been identified as having an increased risk of C trachomatis infection in some studies. We did observe a difference of prevalence according to age groups owing to a higher incidence in the 20–24 years age group but the youngest (15– 19) did not exhibit the highest rate which could be related to a safer sexual behavior (a higher proportion of women had more than five different sexual partners during the last year in the oldest age group). Behavioral history and country of residence seem to be important to be included in selective screening criteria for C trachomatis infection in young women. (excerpt)