Genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in Australia: epidemiology and clinical implications
Marcus Y. Chen A B C and Basil Donovan A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney Hospital, NSW 2000, Australia.
B School of Public Health, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: chenm@sesahs.nsw.gov.au
Sexual Health 1(4) 189-196 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH04027
Submitted: 21 July 2004 Accepted: 19 November 2004 Published: 21 December 2004
Abstract
Over the last decade, notification rates for genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in Australia have been rising progressively. While chlamydia is common and possibly increasing in the general population, heterosexual adolescents, indigenous Australians in remote settings, and homosexually active men are at particular risk of infection. Few studies are available on the extent of morbidity from chlamydia-associated diseases. Australia urgently needs a national strategy to control chlamydia, with widespread, selective screening as a key component. As general practitioners have an important role to play, we proffer guidelines for selective testing in primary care.
Acknowledgement
Marcus Chen is supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council Medical Postgraduate Scholarship. Conflict of interest: none identified.
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