Screening for Chlamydia trachomatis to Prevent Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Most Chlamydia trachomatis genital infections are asymptomatic. Untreated, such infections can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The CDC recommends annual screening in sexually active women younger than 25. In this randomized trial, U.K. investigators examined whether screening reduced risk for PID in 2529 sexually active women (mean age, 21).

All women provided vaginal swabs that were randomized to immediate screening for chlamydia (and treatment if positive) or to storage and analysis after 1 year (controls). At baseline, 68 screened women (5.4%) and 75 controls (5.9%) had chlamydia infection. During 1-year follow-up, 38 women developed PID. The incidence of PID was 1.3% in the screened group and 1.9% in the control group, a nonsign…