Concurrent gonococcal and chlamydial infections among men attending a sexually transmitted diseases clinic

Int J STD AIDS. 2005 May;16(5):357-61. doi: 10.1258/0956462053888925.

Abstract

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis co-infection in men with gonorrhoea attending a sexually transmitted diseases clinic in Edinburgh, Scotland. During the study period, there were 660 cases of culture-proven gonorrhoea. Chlamydial DNA was detected in the urethra in 79 (31%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 25-37%) heterosexual men who have sex with women (MSW); the median age was significantly lower than those with gonorrhoea alone (24.0 versus 30.0; P <0.0005). The prevalence of urethral chlamydial infection among MSW was significantly higher than among men who have sex with men (MSM) (32 [12%; 95% CI, 8-16%] of 268 MSM) (chi2 = 27.21; P <0.001). Sixteen (24%; 95% CI, 14-34%) of 68 MSM with rectal gonorrhoea had concurrent rectal chlamydial infection. The high prevalence of concurrent gonorrhoea and chlamydiae therefore warrants empirical treatment and/or testing for chlamydia in all men with urethral gonorrhoea.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Chlamydia Infections / complications*
  • Chlamydia Infections / epidemiology*
  • Chlamydia Infections / microbiology
  • Chlamydia trachomatis / isolation & purification
  • Gonorrhea / complications*
  • Gonorrhea / epidemiology*
  • Gonorrhea / microbiology
  • Heterosexuality
  • Homosexuality
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae / isolation & purification
  • Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Scotland / epidemiology
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / epidemiology
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / microbiology