Urine‐based testing forChlamydia trachomatisusing polymerase chain reaction, leucocyte esterase and urethral and cervical smears

Prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium and other sexually transmitted infections causing urethritis among high-risk heterosexual male patients in Estonia

BACKGROUND

We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI, including Mycoplasma genitalium, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis) among high-risk heterosexual male patients and to clarify their potency to cause complaints and inflammation.

METHODS

The study group included 825 men (18.0-49.5 y) consulting andrologist at Tartu University Hospital (Estonia) due to subjectively perceived risk of STI. Patients completed STI risk behaviour questionnaire. First voided urine was analysed for white blood cells and STIs.

RESULTS

In total 193 (23.4%) patients were positive for one or multiple STI. The prevalence of C. trachomatis, M. genitalium, N. gonorrhoeae, T. vaginalis and combined STI was 14.3%, 4.4%, 2.7%, 0.7% and 1.3%, respectively. N. gonorrhoeae had the highest potency to generate inflammatory reaction in first voided urine (100%) followed by C. trachomatis (72.0%), M. genitalium (63.9%) and T. vaginalis (33.3%). N. gonorrhoeae and T. vaginalis caused the highest mean number of complaints while half of T. vaginalis cases and nearly fifth of M. genitalium and C. trachomatis cases were asymptomatic.

CONCLUSIONS

C. trachomatis has the highest prevalence among Estonian high-risk men but M. genitalium holds an important second place. Prevalence of combined STIs is low. N. gonorrhoeae has the highest potency to generate urethral inflammation followed by C. trachomatis and M. genitalium. The highest number of complaints is also associated with N. gonorrhoeae while half of T. vaginalis cases and nearly a fifth of M. genitalium and C. trachomatis cases are asymptomatic.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea screening using urine-based nucleic acid amplification testing among males entering New York City jails: a pilot study

This article describes a pilot screening program to detect Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in adolescent and adult males newly incarcerated in New York City jails using urine-based nucleic acid amplification technology (NAAT). Between December 8 and 22, 2003, 2,417 males were tested; 162 (6.7%) were found positive for Ct and/or Ng STIs, with 138 (86.8%) exhibiting no STI signs or symptoms and 102 (63%) treated prior to jail release. Younger age, positive urine leukocyte esterase test, and ≥11 recent sex partners were predictors of STI. Urine-based screening and treatment was feasible in this setting and identified STI that would otherwise have been undetected. Jails may thus be important venues for targeted male STI screening.