The value of a screen and treat policy for Chlamydia trachomatis in women attending for termination of pregnancy.
We aimed to assess the efficacy of a screen and treat policy for sexually transmitted infections in women requesting termination of pregnancy, with particular reference to Chlamydia trachomatis. A retrospective review of 100 consecutive cases of Chlamydia-positive women between December 1995 and February 1998, was performed. The referral rate to genitourinary medicine (GUM), the subsequent management, contact tracing and treatment of partners were assessed. Ninety-nine women were referred to the GUM department, of whom 72 (71.4%) attended. Eighteen (25%) required further treatment. Seventy-five women identified 89 potentially infected men, of whom 62 (69%) attended for treatment. Identification of positive cases with referral to GUM enabled tests of cure to be carried out, treatment of those reinfected and re-enforcement of behaviour modification, in addition to successful contact tracing. This policy may confer greater benefit for the patient herself and make a significant impact on the reservoir of infection in the community when compared to a policy of blanket prophylactic antibiotic treatment at the time of termination. The implications for future service provision are discussed.
Groom
T M
TM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
Stewart
P
P
Kruger
H
H
Bell
G
G
D000029:Abortion, Legal; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D016358:Contact Tracing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies