Outcome of contact tracing for Chlamydia trachomatis in a district general hospital.
The outcome of contact tracing (partner notification) for Chlamydia trachomatis in a district general hospital during the 5-year period between 1991-1995 was surveyed. During the 5-year period 1027 cases of C. trachomatis were diagnosed. The health adviser saw 928 (90%) of cases who reported 1132 (1.2) sexual contacts. Out of 682 sexual contacts sought by the health adviser, 472 (69.5%) were seen. Following a consultation with the health adviser, over two-thirds (86%) of index cases chose to inform their contacts themselves. Over two-thirds (71%) of contacts informed by these index cases were seen. A higher proportion of regular and first or most immediate contacts were seen as a result of contact tracing. A significantly higher proportion of partners of index cases who themselves returned for test of cure were seen. A consultation with the health adviser facilitated uptake of partner notification by the index patients. Patient referral led to a majority of contacts being seen in a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. Follow-up visits by index patients may improve outcome of contact tracing and should continue irrespective of need for test of cure.
Jarvis
R R
RR
Bolton Centre for Sexual Health, Royal Bolton Hospital, UK. rani.jarvis@btinternet.com
Curless
E
E
Considine
K
K
D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis; D016358:Contact Tracing / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006767:Hospitals, District; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies