title: Cost-effectiveness of widespread screening for Chlamydia trachomatis.
abstract: Screening for sexually transmitted diseases is included in routine health care for several infectious agents in many western European countries. Current considerations on extensions of these programs include widespread screening strategies for Chlamydia trachomatis. In women, C. trachomatis infection may lead to sequelae such as infertility and ectopic pregnancy. This paper reviews the goal of screening and subsequent therapy and the available compounds for testing and treating. Furthermore, the current best practice - in particular with respect to economic performance - is discussed, and those factors that most crucially influence the economic profile are described. Illustrations are drawn from recent work in The Netherlands, which may also be representative for other settings.
authors.affiliation: Groningen University Institute for Drug Exploration/university of Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GUIDE/GRIP), Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Maarten J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Postma
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Welte
authors.forename: Servaas A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Morré
mesh_terms: D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics*; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy