Chlamydia trachomatis, the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in Europe, continues to increase in many countries according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). It affects mostly young adults under 25, and true occurrence of Chlamydia is most likely much higher than the official figures because the majority of those infected do not have clinical symptoms.
Surveys in European countries have shown an estimated population prevalence of 5–10% in young people; however, a systematic survey of Chlamydia control activities in 29 European countries found wide variation in the organisation of such activities. Almost half of the countries reported no organised activity, and national control programmes were only identified in two countries.
Now, new ECDC guidance, which was unveiled and discussed at the International Society of Sexual Transmitted Disease Research conference held at the end of June at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London, will facilitate and support the development of national control strategies for an infection that causes a high burden of disease and other complications (eg ectopic pregnancies and infertility).
The first step to a comprehensive and effective control programme will be the adoption of a control strategy based on wide consultation with key stakeholders. This should take into account the specific national opportunities and limitations, and provide a review of the evidence for the interventions and measures proposed.
www.ecdc.europa.eu