Chlamydia retesting and retest positivity rates: results from a state-wide laboratory data linkage study in Tasmania, 2012–13
Nicola Stephens A B H , David Coleman C , Kelly Shaw D , Maree O’Sullivan E , Alistair McGregor F , Louise Cooley G and Alison Venn B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Communicable Disease Epidemiology and Surveillance, Health Protection Branch, Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, Melbourne, Vic. 3000, Australia.
B Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tas. 7000, Australia.
C Public Health Services, Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services, Hobart, Tas. 7000, Australia.
D Primary Health Tasmania, Hobart, Tas. 7000, Australia.
E Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Health, Gold Coast, Qld 4217, Australia.
F Hobart Pathology, Hobart, Tas. 7000, Australia.
G Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tas. 7000, Australia.
H Corresponding author. Email: nicola.stephens@dhhs.vic.gov.au
Sexual Health 14(3) 261-267 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH16137
Submitted: 16 July 2016 Accepted: 29 November 2016 Published: 30 January 2017
Abstract
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 < 0.01) and 12 months (27%, 265/968 vs 24%, 98/410) (P = 0.24). The retesting rate was higher in females living in areas of most disadvantage (35.5%, 154/434) compared with areas of middle and least disadvantage (26% 139/534) (P < 0.01). Males were more likely than females to retest positive at 3 months (35%, 25/71 vs 23%, 55/242) (P < 0.01); retest positivity at 12 months was 32% in both sexes (males 98/140; females 265/968). Retest positivity was higher in males living in areas of least disadvantage (43%, 3/7) compared with middle (24%, 16/67) (P = 0.27) and most (27%, 10/37) (P = 0.09); and higher in females living in areas of least disadvantage (39%, 7/18) compared with middle (24%, 29/121) (P < 0.01) and most (31%, 48/154) (P = 0.02). Conclusions: Retesting rates are low in Tasmania and retest positivity is high, reinforcing the importance of promoting safer sex practices, partner notification and treatment, and retesting.
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