Chlamydia and gonorrhea screening using urine-based nucleic acid amplification testing among males entering New York City jails: a pilot study

J Correct Health Care. 2012 Apr;18(2):120-30. doi: 10.1177/1078345811435767. Epub 2012 Mar 14.

Abstract

This article describes a pilot screening program to detect Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in adolescent and adult males newly incarcerated in New York City jails using urine-based nucleic acid amplification technology (NAAT). Between December 8 and 22, 2003, 2,417 males were tested; 162 (6.7%) were found positive for Ct and/or Ng STIs, with 138 (86.8%) exhibiting no STI signs or symptoms and 102 (63%) treated prior to jail release. Younger age, positive urine leukocyte esterase test, and ≥11 recent sex partners were predictors of STI. Urine-based screening and treatment was feasible in this setting and identified STI that would otherwise have been undetected. Jails may thus be important venues for targeted male STI screening.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chlamydia Infections / diagnosis*
  • Chlamydia Infections / epidemiology*
  • Chlamydia Infections / microbiology
  • Chlamydia Infections / urine
  • Gonorrhea / diagnosis*
  • Gonorrhea / epidemiology*
  • Gonorrhea / microbiology
  • Gonorrhea / urine
  • Humans
  • Male
  • New York City
  • Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques
  • Pilot Projects
  • Prisons / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Urinalysis