Seasonality of Chlamydia trachomatis genital infections in university women.
Previous studies have shown seasonal fluctuations in the incidence of most sexually transmitted diseases, with a peak in the third quarter, but none have specifically evaluated Chlamydia trachomatis genital infections. From 1989 to 1991, 8,234 women presenting to the student health centers of Florida's two largest universities for routine gynecologic care and diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis genital infections. The bimonthly variation in incidence was statistically significant, with a significant peak in the months of August and September of 10.70%, compared with the yearly average of 8.74%. Because the pattern of incidence of chlamydia in university women is seasonal, those concerned with healthcare should increase their efforts during the third quarter to identify infected individuals and to provide preventive programs.
Herold
A H
AH
College of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa.
Woodard
L J
LJ
Roetzheim
R G
RG
Pamies
R J
RJ
Young
D L
DL
Micceri
T
T
D000328:Adult; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D011315:Preventive Medicine; D012621:Seasons; D012736:Sex Education; D013333:Student Health Services; D013334:Students; D014481:United States; D014495:Universities