title: Is it evidence-based practice? Prophylactic antibiotics for termination of pregnancy to minimize post-abortion pelvic infection?
abstract: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) causing upper genital tract problems after termination of pregnancy (TOP) is well recognized. We undertook this study to assess the local prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection and to estimate the potential benefits of introducing screening. The prevalence rate of C. trachomatis was 6%. Nine sexual contacts of the index cases were identified. They were symptom free, but all had non-specific urethritis (NSU). Four of them were positive for C. trachomatis. We conclude that screening for chlamydial infection is essential and routine prophylactic antibiotic cover may not be beneficial.
authors.affiliation: Department of Sexual Health and HIV, Lister Hospital, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Uthayakumar
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Tenuwara
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Maiti
mesh_terms: D000028:Abortion, Induced; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016358:Contact Tracing; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D000292:Pelvic Inflammatory Disease / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D015995:Prevalence; D014526:Urethritis / Q000453:epidemiology