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The National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) in England was established in 2003 with the objective of controlling chlamydia through the early detection and treatment of asymptomatic infection, thus preventing the development of sequelae and reducing onward disease transmission.

Genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the sexually transmitted infection diagnosed most frequently in English genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics. Prevalence of infection is highest in young sexually active adults, especially those aged under 25 years. Untreated infection can have serious long-term consequences, particularly for women, in whom it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy and tubal factor infertility. In men it can result in painful testicles and in both men and women it may lead to Reiter’s syndrome. Since many infections are asymptomatic, a large proportion of cases remain undiagnosed, although infection can be diagnosed easily and effectively treated.

There is no evidence that chlamydia causes cervical cancer. Research is ongoing in this area.

Links:

British Association of Sexual Health and HIV . 2006 UK national guideline for the management of genital tract with  infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. http://www.bashh.org/guidelines

National Chlamydia Screening Programme http://www.chlamydiascreening.nhs.uk