The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently updated its recommendations regarding screening for the sexually transmitted disease (STD) chlamydia. Chlamydia is caused by infection with the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis and is the most common STD in the U.S. It has been associated with urethritis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), even ectopic pregnancy and infertility if left untreated. However, over 70% of women and many men experience no symptoms of the infection, which is why screening is so important.

The USPSTF's recommendations include routine screening for:

• All sexually active women 25 years old or younger (strongly recommends);
• Other asymptomatic women at increased risk of infection (strongly recommends);
• All asymptomatic, pregnant women 25 years old or younger; and
• Other pregnant women at increased risk of infection.

The task force did not make recommendations for or against screening for asymptomatic women over the age of 25 at low risk of infection, for low-risk pregnant women over the age of 25, or for asymptomatic men. Risk factors besides age include having multiple sex partners, having had an STD in the past, and not using condoms consistently or correctly.

Sources:
Clinical Laboratory News. June 2001; 27(6):1.