Genital chlamydia

Genital Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosed and treated in the United Kingdom. Highest rates are seen in mainly young men and women under 25 years.

Genital chlamydial infection is an important reproductive health problem because 10-40% of untreated infected women develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). A significant proportion of cases (70% of female and 50% of male cases) are asymptomatic and so are liable to remain undetected, putting women at greater risk of developing PID.

National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) in England

The NCSP in England was established in 2003 with the objective of controlling chlamydia through the early detection and treatment of asymptomatic infection, thus preventing the development of sequelae and reducing onward disease transmission.

Genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the sexually transmitted infection diagnosed most frequently in English genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics. Prevalence of infection is highest in young sexually active adults, especially those aged under 25 years. Untreated infection can have serious long-term consequences, particularly for women, in whom it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy and tubal factor infertility. In men it can result in urethritis and epidydimitis and in both men and women it may lead to arthritis. Since many infections are asymptomatic, a large proportion of cases remain undiagnosed, although infection can be diagnosed easily and effectively treated.

To find out more about the NCSP log on to http://www.chlamydiascreening.nhs.uk

National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) data tables are available at http://www.chlamydiascreening.nhs.uk/ps/data/data_tables.html.

The HPA’s Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the NCSP is available for download:

HPA’s Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the NCSP