Cited 9 times since 2005 (0.5 per year) source: EuropePMC Sexually transmitted diseases, Volume 32, Issue 10, 1 1 2005, Pages 625-629 Management of Chlamydia cases and their partners: results from a home-based screening program organized by municipal public health services with referral to regular health care. Götz HM, Hoebe CJ, Van Bergen JE, Veldhuijzen IK, Broer J, De Groot F, Verhooren MJ, Van Schaik DT, Coenen AJ, Richardus JH
Background
We evaluated the management of Chlamydia trachomatis cases and partners found in a systematic home-based chlamydia screening project in the Netherlands among 15- to 29-year-old women and men, organized by the Municipal Public Health Services (MHS).
Methods
Infected participants (165/8339 = 2%) were referred to regular curative services. The treating physician provided feedback on treatment and partner notification.
Results
Including the effect of a reminder, the treatment rate of all index cases was 91% (150/165); among persons with non-Dutch ethnicity, 81% (25/31). The majority of cases (82%) consulted the general practitioner for treatment as opposed to sexually transmitted disease/MHS clinics (18%). Eighty-five percent of cases were treated within 2 weeks. The confirmed treatment rate of partners in the last 6 months was 49% (86/176); 57% (81/141) for current versus 14% (5/35) for other partners. Patient referral was advised in an additional 18% (25/141) of current partners and in 9% (3/35) of other partners (potential treatment).
Conclusion
Home-based chlamydia screening and treatment through regular treatment facilities has proven to be effective in the Netherlands. The necessity of a reminder to increase treatment rate and the lower treatment rate in non-Dutch high-risk groups deserve attention. Low confirmed treatment rate of current partners carries the potential of reinfection, and patient-delivered treatment should be expanded.
