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Tsai CS, Chen PL, Lee NY, Tsai HP, Huang SH, Chen SY, Tang YW, Lin YC, Tsai PF, Mao LW, Su SL, Wang JL, Ko WC. Characteristics of rectal chlamydia among men who have sex with men in southern Taiwan, 2020-2022: An emerging threat of rectal lymphogranuloma venereum L2b. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2023; 56:408-415. [PMID: 36682913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of rectal chlamydia among men who have sex with men (MSM) without human deficiency virus infection (non-HIV) remains uncertain in Taiwan, and rectal lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) among MSM has never been reported in the Far East. MATERIAL AND METHODS From January 2020 to April 2022, MSM coming for anonymous voluntary counseling and testing, for pre-exposure prophylaxis, and for antiretroviral therapy were enrolled. All participants submitted his fecal samples and completed a QR-code questionnaire. Medical records of those who took regular medical visits for HIV were recorded. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for all fecal samples, and ompA gene sequencing was therefore performed for each Chlamydia-positive fecal sample. RESULTS Among 341 MSM during 2020-2022 in southern Taiwan, 21 (6.2%) had rectal chlamydia infection. Risk factors of rectal chlamydia included co-infection with rectal gonorrhea (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 6.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44-31.91, P = 0.015) and multiple sexual partners (AOR 1.373, 95% CI 1.002-1.882, P = 0.048). Further ompA gene sequencing from 19 Chlamydia-positive fecal samples revealed that the prevalent genotypes or genovariants were Da (26.3%) and L2b (26.3%), followed by B (21.1%), J (14.3%), and G (9.5%). All cases of rectal LGV genovariant L2b presented as acute proctitis with diarrhea, anal pain, or discharge and were treated successfully with prolonged treatment of doxycycline. CONCLUSIONS Rectal gonorrhea and multiple sexual partners are risk factors for rectal chlamydia. Clinicians in Taiwan should be aware of the emerging threat of rectal LGV among MSM with acute proctitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Shiang Tsai
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Dou-Liou Branch, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Yunlin, Taiwan; Center for Infection Control, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Po-Lin Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Center for Infection Control, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Nan-Yao Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Center for Infection Control, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Huey-Pin Tsai
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Hsi Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Ying Chen
- Center for Infection Control, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wen Tang
- Center for Infection Control, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Chun Lin
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Fang Tsai
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Lin-Wen Mao
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Li Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jiun-Ling Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Chien Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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Muljadi M, Cheng CM, Yang CY, Chang TC, Shen CJ. A pilot clinical validation study of a self-collected vaginal swab device for the detection of chlamydia trachomatis in women. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1008761. [PMID: 36267446 PMCID: PMC9576940 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1008761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) is one of the most prevalent preventable sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the world. In women, C. trachomatis infection can lead to long-term complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and other related conditions such as ectopic pregnancies and even tubal factor infertility. These complications are preventable given early detection and clinical intervention, but these efforts are often hampered by asymptomatic silent infections, and non-compliance to screenings for STDs. Some women do not get tested out of concerns for violation of privacy, and fear of discomfort. Clinicians often use a multitude of tests to determine if a patient is infected by C. trachomatis, including a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test of First catch urine (FCU) samples. However, these tend to be inconvenient to store and transport, as they carry risk of spillage and have stringent refrigeration requirements. Moreover, given the gold-standard recommendations set forth by the Centres for Disease Control (CDC), the current technique can be inconvenient in remote areas where refrigeration and transport may not always be reliable. The current study therefore looks at the potential of a self-collected vaginal swab device that relies on Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs), is dry-stored, and does not require refrigeration, to detect the presence of C. trachomatis in women. The study found evidence to suggest that the self-collection device has the potential to aid clinicians in the diagnosis of C. trachomatis in women when compared to doctor-collected vaginal discharge samples as the designated standard, FCU, and blood serology. Moreover, as a self-collection device it has the potential to break down some of the barriers to STD screening especially in young women, such as violation of privacy. The device therefore has a potential to encourage screening and therefore a potentially effective tool in the fight against the spread of preventable sexually transmitted diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Muljadi
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Min Cheng
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | | | - Ting-Chang Chang
- Hygeia Touch Inc, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ju Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Ching-Ju Shen,
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Vaginal Microbiota of the Sexually Transmitted Infections Caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and Trichomonas vaginalis in Women with Vaginitis in Taiwan. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9091864. [PMID: 34576759 PMCID: PMC8470505 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9091864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The three most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). The prevalence of these STIs in Taiwan remains largely unknown and the risk of STI acquisition affected by the vaginal microbiota is also elusive. In this study, a total of 327 vaginal swabs collected from women with vaginitis were analyzed to determine the presence of STIs and the associated microorganisms by using the BD Max CT/GC/TV molecular assay, microbial cultures, and 16S rRNA sequencing. The prevalence of CT, TV, and GC was 10.8%, 2.2% and 0.6%, respectively. A culture-dependent method identified that Escherichia coli and Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) were more likely to be associated with CT and TV infections. In CT-positive patients, the vaginal microbiota was dominated by L. iners, and the relative abundance of Gardnerella vaginalis (12.46%) was also higher than that in TV-positive patients and the non-STIs group. However, Lactobacillus spp. was significantly lower in TV-positive patients, while GBS (10.11%), Prevotella bivia (6.19%), Sneathia sanguinegens (12.75%), and Gemella asaccharolytica (5.31%) were significantly enriched. Using an in vitro co-culture assay, we demonstrated that the growth of L. iners was suppressed in the initial interaction with TV, but it may adapt and survive after longer exposure to TV. Additionally, it is noteworthy that TV was able to promote GBS growth. Our study highlights the vaginal microbiota composition associated with the common STIs and the crosstalk between TV and the associated bacteria, paving the way for future development of health interventions targeting the specific vaginal bacterial taxa to reduce the risk of common STIs.
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Yan RL, Ye YF, Fan QY, Huang YH, Wen GC, Li LM, Cai YM, Feng TJ, Huang ZM. Chlamydia trachomatis infection among patients attending sexual and reproductive health clinics: A cross-sectional study in Bao'an District, Shenzhen, China. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212292. [PMID: 30779755 PMCID: PMC6380618 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of chlamydial trachomatis (CT) infection and explore its risk factors among patients attending sexual and reproductive health clinics in Shenzhen, China. We collected demographic and clinical information from attendees (aged 18–49). CT and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infection was determined by nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) on self-collected urine specimens. Of 1,938 participants recruited, 10.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.6%-11.0%) tested positive for CT. Prevalence was similar between men (10.6% [85/804]; 95% CI, 9.5%–11.7%) and women (10.1% [115/1134]; 95% CI: 9.2%–11.0%). Being 18–25 years old (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.52; 95%CI:1.35–4.71), never tested for CT before (aOR = 2.42; 95%CI: 1.05–5.61) and infected with NG(aOR = 3.87; 95%CI: 2.10–7.10) were independently associated with CT infection. We found that CT infection is prevalent among patients attending sexual and reproductive health clinics in Shenzhen, China. A comprehensive program including CT screening, surveillance and treatment is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Lin Yan
- Shenzhen Baoan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yun-Feng Ye
- Shenzhen Baoan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qin-Ying Fan
- Shenzhen Baoan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan-Hui Huang
- Shenzhen Baoan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Gui-Chun Wen
- Shenzhen Baoan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li-Mei Li
- Shenzhen Baoan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu-Mao Cai
- Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tie-Jian Feng
- Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Huang
- Shenzhen Baoan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
- * E-mail:
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Tadesse E, Teshome M, Amsalu A, Shimelis T. Genital Chlamydia trachomatis Infection among Women of Reproductive Age Attending the Gynecology Clinic of Hawassa University Referral Hospital, Southern Ethiopia. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168580. [PMID: 28006003 PMCID: PMC5178988 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Urogenital infection with Chlamydia trachomatis(CT) is one of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) world-wide, especially in developing nations where routine laboratory diagnosis is unavailable. Little is known about the epidemiology of this infection in Ethiopia where other STIs are prevalent. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated factors of CT infection among women of reproductive age. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 322 consecutive women aged between 15–49 years at Hawassa University Referral Hospital from November 2014 to April 2015. Data on socio-demography and potential risk factors for genital infection were collected using structured questionnaires. Moreover, endocervical swabs were collected from all participants, screened for CT antigen using rapid immunochromatography assay, and cultured following the standard bacteriological method to isolate Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Result In this study, the overall prevalence of CT antigen and N. gonorrhoeae infection was 61(18.9%) and 1(0.31%), respectively. Women aged 15–24 years had the highest prevalence of CT infection (24.2%), followed by those aged 25–34 years (16.8%) and those aged 35–49 years (9.6%). CTinfection was associated with women who had unprotected sex within the last six months (aOR = 3.459; 95% CI = 1.459–8.222) and were sexually active for 6–10 years (aOR = 3.076; 95% CI = 1.152–8.209). None of the clinical symptoms and diagnoses was significantly associated with CT antigen positivity. Conclusions The high prevalence of genital CT infection in this study highlights the need for further large-scale studies on the general population. Thus, screening of women regardless of their symptoms should be in place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endale Tadesse
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Million Teshome
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Anteneh Amsalu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Techalew Shimelis
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
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Yang CJ, Li SY, Chang SY, Wu PY, Liao MH, Liu WC, Wu H, Wu CH, Sun HY, Hung CC. Associated factors with and genotypes of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among clients seeking voluntary counseling and testing for HIV infection in Taiwan. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2013; 47:526-32. [PMID: 24387885 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2013.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2013] [Revised: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with Chlamydia trachomatis infection and the genotype distribution of the strains among the clients seeking voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Taiwan. METHODS The VCT clients completed an anonymous self-administered questionnaire interview to inquire into the risks for sexually transmitted diseases, followed by providing a 10-mL first-catch urine specimen to detect C. trachomatis with the use of polymerase-chain-reaction assays. The genotyping of C. trachomatis strains was performed by sequencing of omp1 gene. A case-control study was performed to identify factors associated with chlamydial infection. RESULTS From 2008 to 2011, 140 (4.2%) of the 3323 VCT clients tested positive for C. trachomatis by polymerase chain reaction assays of urine specimens. Compared with 280 control individuals without C. trachomatis infection, cases were more likely to be female (adjusted odds ratio, 3.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.56-6.90) and to report dysuria or urethral discharge (adjusted odds ratio, 2.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.44-4.61). Infections with genotypes Da and G were significantly more common in male than female individuals (genotype Da, 22.2% vs. 0%; and genotype G, 24.4% vs. 3.3%) and in men who have sex with men than heterosexuals (genotype Da, 22.2% vs. 0%; and genotype G, 24.4% vs. 3.3%). CONCLUSION Among the VCT clients in Taiwan, female sex and presence of urethral symptoms were associated with C. trachomatis infection of the genitourinary tract. Homosexual male clients were more likely to be infected with genotypes Da and G than heterosexual clients were.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Jui Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Oriental Institute of Technology, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Ying Li
- Research and Diagnostic Center, Centers for Disease Control, Department of Health, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sui-Yuan Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ying Wu
- Center for Infection Control, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Huei Liao
- Research and Diagnostic Center, Centers for Disease Control, Department of Health, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu Wu
- Field Epidemiology Training Program, Centers for Disease Control, Department of Health, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsin Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Low LCM, Tan FLG, Chan E, Chio M, Chan R, Sen P. Analysis of females with Chlamydia trachomatis infections attending a sexually transmissible infection clinic in Singapore in 2010. Sex Health 2013; 10:470-1. [PMID: 24074902 DOI: 10.1071/sh13095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmissible infection (STI) in Singapore, with rising incidence. METHOD Random sampling was performed on all chlamydia-positive samples collected from female patients who attended a women's clinic from January 2010 to December 2010. Some 250 electronic medical records were analysed. Population demographics, sexual histories, symptoms, diagnostic methods and management were recorded. RESULTS One hundred and forty-two (56.8%) patients were under 25 years of age. The predominant race diagnosed with Chlamydia cervicitis were Chinese (116 cases, 46.4%) followed by 86 (34.4%) Malays and 20 (8%) Filipinos. Sixty-three (25.2%) were skilled workers and (47) 18.8% were students. Professionals and office workers together formed 68 (27.2%) of the patients. Some 248 (99.2%) patients were heterosexual and 2 (0.8%) patients were bisexual; 229 (91.6%) patients had regular partners, 18 (7.2%) had casual partners and 3 (1.2%) had both. Concurrency prevalence accounted for 49 cases (19.6%) and condom use was less common. Patients were generally asymptomatic, with 114 (45.5%) presenting with symptoms. One hundred and eight (43.2%) patients had 2-5 sexual partners in their lifetime. Patients with a termination made up 12% of our cohort. This episode of infection was the first diagnosis of an STI for 198 (79.2%) patients; 24 (9.6%) of patients had been previously diagnosed with chlamydia. CONCLUSION Chlamydia infection was most prevalent in skilled workers and their regular partners with heterosexual practices under 25 years old. Most patients had 2-5 sexual partners and did not use condoms consistently or at all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynette C M Low
- Department of STI Control, 31 Kelantan Lane, Singapore 200031
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Prevalence and Risk Factors of Chlamydia trachomatis Cervicitis in Pregnant Women at the Genital Tract Infection in Obstetrics Unit Care at Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Brazil. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2011; 15:20-4. [DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0b013e3181ed3d58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Imai H, Nakao H, Shinohara H, Fujii Y, Tsukino H, Hamasuna R, Osada Y, Fukushima K, Inamori M, Ikenoue T, Katoh T. Population-based study of asymptomatic infection with Chlamydia trachomatis among female and male students. Int J STD AIDS 2010; 21:362-6. [PMID: 20498109 DOI: 10.1258/ijsa.2010.010026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
There are few epidemiological studies of asymptomatic chlamydial infection among students in non-medical settings with minimal bias and improved accuracy; thus, useful data from screening among students are limited. We aimed to obtain accurate epidemiological information about asymptomatic chlamydial infection among students in non-medical settings. A population-based cross-sectional survey of 10,440 >or=18-year-old asymptomatic students who volunteered for a urine screening test for chlamydia was conducted. The prevalences of asymptomatic infection were 9.5% for women and 6.7% for men. Multivariate analysis revealed the risk factors to be a lifetime history of >or=4 sexual partners for women (odds ratio [OR] 3.17) and inconsistent condom use for men (OR 4.18). For both sexes, younger age at first intercourse was associated with a higher rate of inconsistent condom use. This study produced accurate epidemiological information on asymptomatic chlamydial infection. These results may contribute to the establishment of preventive countermeasures against such infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirohisa Imai
- Department of Epidemiology, National Institute of Public Health, Wako-shi, Saitama 351-0197, Japan.
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