Concurrent gonococcal and chlamydial infections among men attending a sexually transmitted diseases clinic.
The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis co-infection in men with gonorrhoea attending a sexually transmitted diseases clinic in Edinburgh, Scotland. During the study period, there were 660 cases of culture-proven gonorrhoea. Chlamydial DNA was detected in the urethra in 79 (31%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 25-37%) heterosexual men who have sex with women (MSW); the median age was significantly lower than those with gonorrhoea alone (24.0 versus 30.0; P <0.0005). The prevalence of urethral chlamydial infection among MSW was significantly higher than among men who have sex with men (MSM) (32 [12%; 95% CI, 8-16%] of 268 MSM) (chi2 = 27.21; P <0.001). Sixteen (24%; 95% CI, 14-34%) of 68 MSM with rectal gonorrhoea had concurrent rectal chlamydial infection. The high prevalence of concurrent gonorrhoea and chlamydiae therefore warrants empirical treatment and/or testing for chlamydia in all men with urethral gonorrhoea.
McMillan
A
A
Department of Genitourinary Medicine, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust, Lauriston Building, 39 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9HA, UK. a.amcmm@btopenworld.com
Manavi
K
K
Young
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006069:Gonorrhea / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D020010:Heterosexuality; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009344:Neisseria gonorrhoeae / Q000302:isolation & purification; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology