Antibiotic consumption and chlamydia prevalence in international studies.
BACKGROUND
To determine whether there is an ecological association between antibiotic use and chlamydia prevalence.


METHODS
A systematic review was undertaken of international studies on chlamydia prevalence among women aged 15-25 years published between 2000 and 2005. Preference was given to studies using nucleic acid testing and representative population-based sampling methods. Data were obtained on per capita antibiotic consumption according to the defined daily dose.


RESULTS
For the 12 countries for which both antibiotic consumption and relevant prevalence data for chlamydia were available, a non-significant negative correlation was found between total antibiotic consumption per capita and chlamydia prevalence among younger women according to country (r(s) = -0.242, P = 0.449). When an outlier (from the Netherlands) was excluded, the correlation was significant (r(s) = -0.615, P = 0.044). Combined use of tetracyclines and macrolides was also associated with lower chlamydia prevalence (r(s) = -0.697, P = 0.017).


CONCLUSIONS
It is possible that antibiotics used for other reasons may have unexpectedly reduced the prevalence of chlamydia.
Ginige
Samitha
S
Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, 580 Swanston St, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia.
Chen
Marcus Y
MY
Hocking
Jane S
JS
Read
Tim R H
TR
Fairley
Christopher K
CK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D015231:Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial / Q000453:epidemiology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents