Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infections in young women attending to Family Planning Clinics of Turin

Background. Chlamydia trachomatis (C.t.) is one of the most common STD spread in Europe and in developed Countries. According to international studies, the highest prevalence is observed among asymptomatic, sexually active, young women, 15-24 aged. Objectives. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for genital infection with C.t. in young women under 25 aged attending to family planning clinics of Turin to active screening programs to be cost-effective in reducing the spread of C.t. infection. Study design. All the unrolled women between June 2008-December 2010, were tested for C.t. infection, using Real time PCR, on a vaginal specimen. A kit and a socio-demographic, behavioral and clinical-gynaecological questionnaire were provided to the participating clinics. Results. The study included 1831 women, of whom 31% 19 aged. The prevalence was 7.3% and was significantly associated being non Italian, having had more lifetime sexual partners and more than 1 partner in the previous six months. Conclusion. Our results are representative of general young female population of Turin. Data are comparable with those of other international studies. The high rate of infection provides information useful to plan health care interventions, like to extend the C.t. free test, not only to young women attending to STD centers but also to those one attending to family planning clinics and to promote prevention interventions to sensitize, not only youth population, on the spread of C.t. and other STD, but also family doctors and gynaecologists in order to reduce the diffusion of infections and relate complications.