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This paper examines the effect of socioeconomic position on the differences in the 3-year rates (1990 to 1992) of reported cases of gonorrhea and chlamydia between Black and White adolescents, aged 12 to 20 years, residing in San Francisco. The crude relative risks for Blacks were 23.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 20.4, 27.8) for gonorrhea and 9.3 (95% CI = 8.3, 10.3) for chlamydia. Adjusting for poverty and occupational status, the relative risks were 28.7 (95% CI = 22.5, 36.1) for gonorrhea and 8.9 (95% CI = 7.4, 10.6) for chlamydia. This study demonstrates that factors other than poverty and occupational status account for the racial/ethnic differences in the rates of gonorrhea and chlamydia among adolescents in San Francisco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides an analysis of the cost and benefit of screening adolescent boys for chlamydial infection by using a leucocyte esterase dipstick method. Several issues arise from the adoption of this screening method as a chlamydia control measure since a number of unknowns remain to be answered by appropriate studies. Among the issues include the acceptance of the technique applied to adolescent populations and the willingness of clinicians in giving antichlamydia treatment on the basis of a screening test.

Abstract: To simplify Chlamydia trachomatis isolation. we employed a 24-well tissue culture plate, thereby eliminating tedious steps and material in the conventional vial method. Parallel studies indicated that the vial and plate methods were equally sensitive for Chlamydia isolation. The time for culturing McCoy cells was reduced from 72 to four hours allowing us to inoculate specimens the same day. The potential hazard of handling coverslips which might contain infected cells was avoided. (Am J Public Health 1982; 72: 1406-1407.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. We implemented a chlamydia screening program targeted at young women accessing reproductive health care services in a school-based setting, and we assessed racial/ethnic factors associated with infection. Methods. The California Family Health Council partnered with 9 health care agencies receiving federal Title X family planning funding and 19 educational institutions to implement the Educational Partnerships to Increase Chlamydia Screening (EPICS) program from January 2008 through December 2008. Results. EPICS agencies provided reproductive health services to 3396 unique sexually active females, 85% of whom self-reported no other source for reproductive health care. Chlamydia screening was provided to 3026 clients (89.1% chlamydia screening coverage). Of those screened for chlamydia, 5.6% tested positive. Clients who were African American (odds ratio [OR]=7.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]=3.9, 14.3), Pacific Islander (OR=4.1; 95% CI=1.1, 15.5), or Asian (OR=3.3; 95% CI=1.4, 8.1) were more likely to have a positive test than were White clients. Conclusions. Chlamydia screening programs implemented in school-based settings have the capacity to identify and treat a significant amount of asymptomatic infection in a population that otherwise may not be reached. To facilitate screening, school-based clinics should implement outreach strategies that target their school population and clinical strategies that maximize opportunities for screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlamydia and gonorrhea rates among African American youths in San Francisco are far higher than those among young people of the city's other racial and ethnic groups. A geographically targeted sexually transmitted disease education and screening intervention performed in collaboration with a local faith-based organization was able to screen hundreds of at-risk youths. The screened individuals included friends and sex partners from an extensive social-sexual network that transcended the boundaries of the target population. The intervention also provided an excellent opportunity to practice "street medicine," in which all screening and treatment was effectively conducted in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. We evaluated the prevalence of gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and syphilis in patients entering residential drug treatment. Methods. Data on sexual and substance abuse histories were collected. Participants provided specimens for chlamydia and gonorrhea ligase chain reaction testing, Trichomonas vaginalis culture, and syphilis serologic testing. Results. Of 311 patients, crack cocaine use was reported by 67% and multisubstance use was reported by 71%. Sexually transmitted disease (STD) risk behaviors were common. The prevalence of infection was as follows: Chlamydia trachomatis, 2.3%; Neisseria gonorrhoeae, 1.6%; trichomoniasis, 43%; and syphilis, 6%. Conclusions. STD counseling and screening may be a useful adjunct to inpatient drug treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Hawaii State Department of Health's Chlamydia Network Project screened 272 asymptomatic females for chlamydia; 20 (7.4 per ¢) were found to be positive. When interviewed, 75 per ¢ (15/20) of the cases gave information such that their sexual partner(s) could be located. Ninety per ¢ (14/16) of the locatable partners were brought to examination within seven days. Keys to success were the training of family planning clinic staff in STD (sexually transmitted disease) control methods, and close intraagency cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]