Chlamydia trachomatis screening in family planning centers: A review of cost/benefit evaluations in different countries

Chlamydia trachomatis is a primary cause of acute or silent salpingitis leading to infertility and ectopic pregnancy. The C. trachomatis epidemic, undiscovered in most cases, spreads, mostly in adolescents, during the years following the onset of sexual activity.As opposed to gonococcal infection which has gready decreased, C. trachomatis cervical and urethral infection is common in young occidentals. More then 30 different studies covering 200–12 000 subjects screened in family planning centers, college women and men, students and military recruits in different parts of the USA, in Scandinavian countries and France, indicate a prevalence of 5–20%) (mean 10%) in apparently healthy young females < 25 years and 5–10% in males. Female prevalence is strongly related to age, being highest (15–20%) in women < 20 years old.Several cost-benefit analyses show that the total cost of the general screening in young populations, which can easily be carried out for women in family planning centers, could save twice the...