Authors' objectives:

To assess the feasibility and the clinical and economic impact of screening for Chlamydia trachomatis infection of the lower genitourinary tract in France.

Authors' recommendations: Approaches to screening: A number of countries have implemented screening strategies for Chlamydia trachomatis-induced infection in target populations selected by age, risk factors for sexually-transmitted disease, or symptoms. Impact of screening programmes: The studies have design weaknesses, but the fact that their findings agree suggests a link between screening and a fall in the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis urogenital infection and associated complications (pelvic inflammatory disease, extrauterine pregnancy, tubal sterility). Economic evaluation studies: There is a significant financial benefit after 5 years of screening, notably from complications avoided. Advice of the working group: In France, opportunist screening appears to be justified in young at-risk populations (15-25 years for women, 15-30 years for men) identified in centres where testing is offered anonymously and free of charge, STD clinics, and family planning and education centres. Such screening would include testing for C. trachomatis using a molecular biology method (in vitro gene amplification), and treatment with a single-dose of azithromycin for infected individuals and their partner(s).

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.has-sante.fr/

Year Published: 2003

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: France

Organisation Name: L'Agence Nationale d'Accreditation d'Evaluation en Santé

Contact Address: 2 avenue du Stade de France, 93218 Saint-Denis La Plaine Cedex, France. Tel: +33 01 55 93 71 88; Fax: +33 01 55 93 74 35;

Contact Name: sh.leerobin@has-sante.fr

Contact Email: sh.leerobin@has-sante.fr

Copyright: L'Agence Nationale d'Accreditation d'Evaluation en Sante (ANAES)