Genital chlamydia trachomatis infection: an underestimated sexually transmitted disease in China

Abstract Background Genital chlamydia trachomatis infection is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease globally. The diagnosis and reporting of genital chlamydia trachomatis infection mainly rely on effective laboratory testing available. The prevalence of genital chlamydia trachomatis infection in China may be largely underestimated, based on the reported data. Methods A survey was conducted among hospitals provided clinical services for STD in Shandong Province in 2018. Basic information on the hospitals, type of laboratory tests provided and cases reported of GCTI were collected and analysed in SPSS 22. Results Among 456 hospitals surveyed, antigen testing, PCR testing, and either antigen or PCR testing were available among 200 (43.9%), 88 (19.3%) and 268 (58.8%) hospitals, respectively. PCR testing was more available among tertiary and secondary hospitals than primary hospitals (X 2 =28.560, P=0.000). Significant differences were observed in the availability of antigen testing, PCR testing, and either antigen or PCR testing among different type of hospitals (X 2 =15.708, P=0.003; X 2 =22.494, P=0.000; X 2 =21.729, P=0.000). In 2018, a total of 1532 cases of GCTI were reported in 99 hospitals. More cases were reported by tertiary and secondary hospitals than primary hospitals (X 2 =24.082, P=0.000). The proportion of different kind of hospitals that reported case of GCTI cases was consistent with that of hospitals provided laboratory testing for GCTI. Conclusion The availability of laboratory testing for GCTI in Shandong province was poor, which may lead to underestimation of prevalence of GCTI. More effort needs to improve the availability of GCTI laboratory testing in order to effectively control of GCTI in Shandong province.