Epidemiology and spatial clustering of genital Chlamydial infection: Based on data from Haizhu district of Guangzhou from 2014 to 2023.

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of genital Chlamydial infection in Haizhu district of Guangzhou from 2014 to 2023, and to provide a rationale for the development of intervention measures. Methods The epidemic data of genital Chlamydial infection in Haizhu district of Guangzhou from 2014 to 2023 were obtained from the infectious disease surveillance module of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Descriptive epidemiological methods and spatial clustering analysis were used in this study. Results The reported incidence rate of genital Chlamydial infection in Haizhu district of Guangzhou decreased from 90.02/100, 000 in 2014 to 51.55/100, 000 in 2023, with an average annual decrease of 6.01% (Z = -11.44, P < 0.001) . The reported incidence rates were stable in males and a tendency of decrease in females (Z = -13.38, P<0.001). The highest incidence was in the age group of 20-39 years, accounting for 82.48%. Majority of the patients were household workers, unemployed, commercial service personnel, and unknown occupations. A positive correlation in the number of reported cases was observed in 2017, 2019 to 2022 (all Moran's I index >0, Z > 1.960, P < 0.05), among which the highest spatial clustering was found in 2020 and the lowest in 2017. The "high-high" clustering areas were mainly in Chigang Street and Fengyang Street, consistent with the cumulative distribution of reported cases. The "low-high" clustering area was Pazhou Street. Conclusions The incidence of genital Chlamydial infection in Haizhu district of Guangzhou displays a downward trend from 2014 to 2023, but there is significant clustering in population and spatial distribution. Thus, it is necessary to strengthen the prevention and treatment program for key populations in order to control the prevalence of genital Chlamydial infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]