STUDY TO ASSESS PREVALENCE OF CHLAMYDIA INFECTION IN EDINBURGHMarch 16, 1999Dr Miriam Santer, a Higher Professional Training Fellow in the department, is involving the help of three general practices in Edinburgh to look at the frequency of this common bacterial disease, which can go undetected for months, or even years, in affected patients. Chlamydia causes no symptoms in 70% of women and, left untreated, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. Women recognised as being at highest risk of the disease are those of a younger age (under 25). Babies born to women with the disease can suffer from specific pneumonias and eye infections. However, if diagnosed at an early stage, Chlamydia can be successfully treated with a course of antibiotics. Infected partners should also receive treatment. Says Dr Santer: "The prevalence of Chlamydia infection varies widely in the United Kingdom. A prevalence of 2% has been found in Fife and 12% in Glasgow in asymptomatic women attending for cervical smear." She estimates the Edinburgh percentage may be around 4%, and feels the importance of the local study is to provide information to help decide the most effective local screening strategy for Primary Care. The year-long Edinburgh study began in June 1998, and will involve around 600 women. GPs and practice nurses will offer the test - which simply involves giving a urine sample - to all women aged 35 or less who attend to have a cervical smear performed; or who are under 20 years of age and attend the surgery for contraception or pregnancy testing. Results of the confidential tests will be posted to the women, and a selected number will be contacted to see if they would take part in an interview about their response to being screened. The psychological and social impact of the screening will be looked at to discover the best ways to deal with those women who have positive results. The pilot study is being funded by the Chief Scientist Office with a grant of £9,184. Edinburgh, University of |
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