The first point prevalence study of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in young male inmates in the UK

Abstract

Our objective was to estimate Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) genital infection point prevalence in young male inmates using a non-invasive sampling technique. All new inmates were invited into the study that consisted of a questionnaire and the provision of a urine sample for analysis. The questionnaire asked about personal characteristics, sexual history and symptoms. CT was diagnosed using nucleic acid amplification tests. In all, 13% of new inmates were found to have CT infection. One-fifth of these CT-positive individuals had symptoms of urethral infection. CT prevalence among young male inmates is comparable with results obtained from young women in UK screening programmes. Numerous factors support the integration of CT screening in prisons into the national chlamydia screening programme.