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. Copyright

doi.org/10.1097/01.olq.0000175397.82962.d5, hdl.handle.net/1765/58279
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Erasmus MC: University Medical Center Rotterdam

Götz, H., Hoebe, C., van Bergen, J., Veldhuijzen, I., Broer, J., de Groot, F., … Richardus, J. H. (2005). 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. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 32(10), 625–629. doi:10.1097/01.olq.0000175397.82962.d5