Abstract
Background
We assessed the feasibility of point-of-care testing (POC) for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) among Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) and Transgender Women (TGW) attending community-based clinics (CBOs) in Thailand.
Methods
A secondary analysis using data from a study that enrolled participants aged ≥18 years who were at risk of HIV. They were tested for CT and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) using Cepheid Xpert® POC tests. Behaviors were assessed using a questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with CT infections.
Results
A total of 1885 participants were enrolled between 2019 and 2021, with 89.7% identifying as MSM. Of all participants, 15.9% were living with HIV (PLHIV), 20.6% initiated PrEP, 31.7% were already using it, and 31.8% had never used PrEP.
Of all participants, 13.4% and 18.8% tested positive for NG and CT, respectively. CT prevalence was associated with age groups: 34.6% in 18–19 years (AOR 3.2), 24.1% in 20–24 years (AOR 1.7), compared to 14.5% in those ≥25 years. CT prevalence was higher in PLHIV (28.3%) compared to those who were HIV-negative and had never used PrEP (17.0%).
Conclusions
Almost one-fifth of Thai MSM and TGW had CT infection. POC testing is feasible and should be integrated into STI screening.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.