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The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis varies between ethnic groups in The Netherlands. It is, however, unknown whether this is associated with specific serogroups. The objective of this study was to determine whether serogroup distribution is associated with ethnic origin in the region of The Hague, The Netherlands. Serogroups of 370 microbiologically confirmed C. trachomatis-positive samples were analysed. The samples were obtained from 247 women and 123 men between January and October 2008, of self-reported Dutch Caucasian, Dutch Antillean, Surinamese, N. African/Turkish or other descent. We observed a difference in serogroup distribution comparing Dutch Caucasian women to Dutch Antillean women (χ2 for distribution P = 0·035). Serogroup C was more common in Dutch Antillean women, whereas serogroup B was less common (P = 0·03). This difference was not observed for Dutch Antillean men. The observed difference in distribution of C. trachomatis serogroups between ethnic groups is relevant for further transmission studies.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and determinants of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections among asymptomatic men and women in general practice. To determine participation rates in a systematic screening programme in general practice, using home obtained mailed urine samples., Design: Cross-sectional study., Methods: In 15 general practices in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, a sample of 11,005 persons (5541 women and 5464 men), aged 15-40 were invited to send in a urine sample and a completed questionnaire by mail. The urine samples were tested using the ligase chain reaction for DNA amplification. Patients diagnosed with CT were treated and partner notification was performed., Results: 33% of invited males (1809/5464) and 50% of females (2751/5541) sent in the study material. Older patients participated more frequently than younger patients. Participation rates among persons with a Dutch background were higher than rates among persons from other ethnic groups. In 42 men and 79 women a CT infection was identified (2.3% and 2.9% respectively). Infections were more prevalent in patients from Surinam and the Dutch Antilles and in the age category 21-25 years. Type of health insurance as a proxy measure of socioeconomic status was not an indicator of infection., Conclusion: The participation in this systematic screening using mail-sent urine samples was 33% in men and 50% in women. The CT prevalences among asymptomatic men and women were 2.3% and 2.9% respectively.