ROUTINE TESTING FOR CHLAMYDIA-TRACHOMATIS ON CURACAO, NETHERLANDS-ANTILLES

OBJECTIVE: Although genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection is most often asymptomatic, early treatment may prevent serious complications. For screening or routine testing to be cost effective, the prevalence of the infection must not be too low. STUDY DESIGN: On Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, the prevalence of chlamydial infection in 205 asymptomatic women of reproductive age, who were seen by a general practitioner or gynecologist for a gynecologic examination was measured. RESULTS: The overall prevalence was found to be 5.4% (95% confidence interval 2.7% to 9.4%) with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Of all possible predictors of a chlamydial infection, only young age (<25 years, prevalence 10.3%) seemed to be indicative of such an infection. CONCLUSION: Routine testing for Chlamydia trachomatis in sexually active women on Curacao and on other Caribbean islands is indicated for women <25 years old.