Opportunistic screening for Chlamydia trachomatis: establishing the
national chlamydia screening programme in England
D.S. LaMontagne on behalf of the Chlamydia Advisory Group
Health Protection Agency, Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre and
National Chlamydia Screening Programme, London, UK
Background: The evidence for the potential damage from untreated
genital chlamydial infection in women is strong. Epidemiologic studies have
found high levels of asymptomatic infection among women and men. Local
communities, regional health authorities, and national governments have
developed a range of screening initiatives targeting this important sexual
health and public health issue. These screening programmes have been shown to be
effective at reducing the sequelae from and prevalence of this infection. The
Chief Medical Officer’s Expert Advisory Group on Chlamydia trachomatis
concluded that opportunistic screening of those at highest risk met the
necessary criteria for public health intervention.
Objectives: This presentation will review the evidence for screening,
describe approaches used in a variety of locations and settings, review the
development of the Department of Health-funded national Chlamydia Screening
Programme in England, outline the components of the national programme, and
present key findings of the programme’s impact in contraceptive services.
