Routine testing for Chlamydia trachomatis on Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles.
OBJECTIVE
Although genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection is most often asymptomatic, early treatment may prevent serious complications. For screening or routine testing to be cost effective, the prevalence of the infection must not be too low.


METHODS
On Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles, the prevalence of chlamydial infection in 205 asymptomatic women of reproductive age, who were seen by a general practitioner or gynecologist for a gynecologic examination was measured.


RESULTS
The overall prevalence was found to be 5.4% (95% confidence interval 2.7% to 9.4%) with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Of all possible predictors of a chlamydial infection, only young age (< 25 years, prevalence 10.3%) seemed to be indicative of such an infection.


CONCLUSIONS
Routine testing for Chlamydia trachomatis in sexually active women on Curaçao and on other Caribbean islands is indicated for women < 25 years old.
Asin
J D
JD
Department of Epidemiology, Rijksuniversiteit Limburg, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Nahorst
R R
RR
Thijs
C T
CT
Assendelft
W J
WJ
Hooi
B R
BR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009427:Netherlands Antilles / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence