Measures to Control Chlamydia trachomatis Infections: An Assessment of New National Policy Guidelines

Somewhat hidden perhaps among the barrage of publications on the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in recent months was a report on policy guidelines for prevention and control ofChlamydia trachomatisinfections by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).1This report summarizes the deliberations of an expert committee and of CDC staff members, whose task it was to outline a plan for control of this growing public health problem. The effort was worthwhile—the report provides the most up-to-date and succinct summary of the public health importance ofC trachomatisinfections that is currently available. It outlines the role played byC trachomatisin various disease syndromes; the numbers and economic impact of these infections; risk factors that can be used to identify high-risk groups or individuals; approaches to the diagnosis and treatment ofC trachomatisinfections; newer laboratory tests for diagnosis; and potential means of controlling the increasing incidence of these