Chlamydia trachomatis testing patterns and prevalence of genital chlamydial infection among young men and women in central Norway 1990-2003:: A population-based registry study

Objective: The study objective was to investigate Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) testing patterns, prevalence, and incidence among men and women in Sor-Trondelag county, central Norway, 1990-2003. Goal: The goal of this study was to obtain data for recommendations regarding CT screening. Study Design: Laboratory data on CT tests for persons 15 to 24 years old were retrieved and analyzed. Results: Four percent of men and 44% of women had been CT tested at least once by the age of 20. By the age of 25, 44% of men and 84% of women had been tested. Prevalence at first test was at its peak in 2000-2002 (men: 15-19 years 18%, 20-24 years 23%; women: 15-19 years 11%, 20-24 years 9%). Incidence estimates were higher for persons with a positive first test than for persons with a negative first test. Conclusions: More men and more female teenagers need to be tested. Repeat testing is particularly important among people who have been diagnosed with CT.