The concordance of Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection between sexual partners, in the era of nucleic acid testing

Abstract

Introduction: The rate of transmission of Chlamydia trachomatis, by infected males and females to their sexual partners, has been a matter of continued scientific interest and exploration. Methods: We examined the correlation of C. trachomatis infection in sexual partnerships, using Strand Displacement Amplification. Results: During July–November 2003, 97 male patients were reported positive for C. trachomatis. Fifty of the female sexual consorts were amenable for contact tracing, 38 of whom were identified as C. trachomatis positive. Within the same period, 93 female patients were C. trachomatis positive, and 56 male consorts were traceable, of whom 43 were positive for C. trachomatis. Conclusions: The concordance of C. trachomatis between sexual partners is in the region of 75%. This strengthens the case for epidemiological treatment for all consorts.