Abstract
Objectives: The objective was to determine the frequency of trachoma genotypes of Chlamydia trachomatis-positive urogenital tract (UGT) specimens from remote areas of the Australian Northern Territory (NT).
Setting: The setting was analysis of remnants of C. trachomatis
positive primarily UGT specimens obtained in the course of clinical practice.
The specimens were obtained from two pathology service providers.
Participants: From 3356 C. trachomatis specimens collected during May
2012-April 2013, 439 were selected for genotyping, with a focus on specimens
from postpubescent patients, in remote Aboriginal communities where ocular
trachoma is potentially present.
Primary
and secondary outcome measures: The primary outcome
measure was the proportion of successfully genotyped UGT specimens that were
trachoma genotypes. The secondary outcome measures were the distribution of
genotypes, and the frequencies of different classes of specimens able to be
genotyped.
Results: Zero of 217 successfully genotyped UGT specimens
yielded trachoma genotypes (95% CI for frequency=0-0.017). For UGT specimens,
the genotypes were E (41%), F (22%), D (21%) and K (7%), with J, H and G and
mixed genotypes each at 1-4%. Four of the five genotyped eye swabs yielded
trachoma genotype Ba, and the other genotype J. Two hundred twenty-two
specimens (50.6%) were successfully genotyped. Urine specimens were less likely
to be typable than vaginal swabs (p<0.0001).
Conclusions: Unlike in some other studies, in the remote NT,
trachoma genotypes of C. trachomatis were not found circulating in UGT
specimens from 2012 to 2013. Therefore, C. trachomatis genotypes in UGT
specimens from young children can be informative as to whether the organism has
been acquired through sexual contact. We suggest inclusion of C. trachomatis
genotyping in guidelines examining the source of sexually transmitted
infections in young children in.
Original language | English |
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Article number | e009624 |
Pages (from-to) | 1-7 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | BMJ Open |
Volume | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2016 |