Chlamydia retesting and retest positivity rates: results from a state-wide laboratory data linkage study in Tasmania, 2012-13

Background Chlamydia re-infection increases the likelihood of adverse long-term sequelae. Clinical guidelines recommend retesting at 3–12 months for individuals with positive results, to detect re-infections. Retesting and test positivity levels were measured in young people who previously tested positive for chlamydia infection. Methods: All chlamydia tests conducted during 2012–13 in Tasmanian residents aged 15–29 years were linked. Retesting and retest positivity rates were calculated by sex, age, socioeconomic indicators and test timeframe. Results: Retesting rates were higher in females than males at 3 months (14.5%, n = 242/1673 vs 10%, n = 71/721) (P