KEY MESSAGES
1. Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in Europe and particularly affects young people.
Chlamydia is the most frequently reported sexually transmitted infection in Europe, and the number of cases is steadily increasing. It disproportionately affects young people. Studies have shown that up to 10% of sexually active people younger than 25 years are infected. Read more
2. Chlamydia can have long-term consequences for sexual and reproductive health.
Untreated chlamydia can have serious reproductive health consequences for women. Both asymptomatic and symptomatic chlamydia infections can result in blockage of the Fallopian tubes, a leading cause of difficulties becoming pregnant (tubal infertility) and pregnancy outside of the womb (ectopic pregnancy). Read more
3. Chlamydia can be controlled through prevention, case finding and effective case management.
Easy access to STI services for young people, rapid diagnosis and treatment, contact tracing, and partner management are key components of successful chlamydia control programmes. Active case-finding, which should include opportunistic testing and contact tracing, should target young and sexually active people. Read more
Facts and figures of the STI surveillance report at a glance: download the presentation (ppt)
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In some European countries, the notification rate of C. trachomatis infections has increased dramatically over the past 10 years as a result of intensified testing. Screening, opportunistic testing for asymptomatic Chlamydia infections, contact tracing and mandatory notification help explain the high notification rates in the UK and the Scandinavian countries compared with other European States.
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Chlamydia is by far the most frequently reported sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Europe. In contrast to other STIs, the number of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infections reported annually has remained high and has continued to rise.
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For the first time data on the five sexually transmitted infections (STI) under surveillance in Europe (syphilis, congenital syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and lymphogranuloma venereum) is available for the years 1990-2009. Chlamydia is the most prevalent STI across Europe – particularly in young people, and its continously increasing trend reflects improvements in testing and screening practices.  Download here |
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Despite the high incidence rate of chlamydia, almost half of the countries that responded to a survey of chlamydia control activities reported no organised activity. This document outlines the steps necessary to implement a comprehensive and effective control programme. Download here |
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Chlamydia infection (genital)
Genital chlamydia is the leading sexually transmitted infection in Europe and the cause of considerable acute morbidity and long term reproductive health problems, particularly in young people. Many infections are asymptomatic resulting in delayed diagnosis and uninterrupted transmission.
Read the factsheet for health professionals |
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