Cost-effectiveness of widespread screening for Chlamydia trachomatis.
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.
Postma
Maarten J
MJ
Groningen University Institute for Drug Exploration/university of Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GUIDE/GRIP), Groningen, The Netherlands.
Welte
Robert
R
Morré
Servaas A
SA
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