Study Objective: There is little information available regarding the prevalence of Chlamydia Trachomatis in young men in the general population. The community based rate of infection is estimated to be 4.6%, but this is thought to reflect an over-representation of high-risk groups. The aims of this study were to1) estimate the rate of Chlamydia infection in young men attending general practitioners in the Perth metropolitan area, 2) assess behavioural factors associated having the disease and 3) assess GP management of patients testing positive.
Methodology: Sexually active men (15-29 years) were recruited from 8 general practices in Perth, Western Australia. Participants were required to complete a questionnaire concerning their sexual orientation, history, behaviours and genital symptoms and provide a urine sample for PCR testing for Chlamydia. If a participant returned a positive PCR result, the treating doctor was contacted by a researcher 2 weeks following the test to assess patient follow up.
Results: 401 men were recruited. 373 had urine results available. Of these 3.8% (95% CI, 2.1-6.2) returned a positive PCR result for Chlamydia Trachomatis. There were no remarkable differences between the sexual practices and behaviours of positive and negative participants, although we cannot exclude sampling bias given the small number of positive participants. All patients were followed up by their treating doctor once results were received. Despite the small number of positive participants, there was little relationship between self reported sexual behaviour or symptoms and incidence of Chlamydia in young men. Details of these findings will be provided at presentation.
Conclusion: Given the asymptomatic nature, it may be appropriate to offer screening for at risk individuals, thereby moving towards curbing the increasing infection rate for this disease
