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Older partners not associated with recurrence among female teenagers infected with Chlamydia trachomatis.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases 2002;29:144-149.
Kissinger P, Clayton JL, O’Brien ME, Kent C, Whittington WLH,
Oh K, Fortenberry D, Hillis SE, Farley TA, Berman S.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis-infected female teenagers with older partners
may be less likely to discuss the infection with their partner(s) and to
use condoms and therefore may be more likely to get reinfected. GOAL: To
determine if C trachomatis-infected female teenagers with older partners
were more likely to be reinfected than those with same-aged partners. STUDY
DESIGN: Females aged 14 years to 18 years who had uncomplicated chlamydial
infection, were nonpregnant, attended clinics in five United States cities
from June 1995 to May 1997, completed treatment, and resumed sexual activity
were observed at 1 and 4 months for interim history and retesting. RESULTS:
Of 225 women studied, 73.3% were black, 34.5% had at least one partner who
was 3 or more years older during follow-up, 51.6% reported using a condom
at the last sex act with all partners, 13.8% had a recurrent infection, and
47.4% reported they were certain that all of their baseline partners were
treated. Partner age was not associated with condom use, certainty of partners'
taking medication, or recurrent infections after adjustment for visit. CONCLUSIONS:
Older partners, accounting for approximately one third of all partners, did
not increase the risk of reinfection. Given the high risk for recurrence,
follow-up testing and enhanced efforts to ensure partner treatment are appropriate
for all young women with chlamydial infections.