How widespread are STDs?

The present communication highlights some of the shortcomings of current surveillance programs as a base for understanding the prevailing epidemiological picture for sexually transmitted infections, with especial focus on genital chlamydial infections. Suggestions of how to possible improve them are given. It also discusses criteria for screening programs, incl. criteria for so called “selective screening”. The traditional groups for screening are mentioned as well as groups that have so far seldom been suggest to be subjected for such activities. The usefulness of breaking down monitored data from regional or national surveillance systems, specified to individual providers of collected data among private consultations and community clinics, even incl. subunits of the latter, is demonstrated. The difficulty in interpreting the result of diagnostic tests, particular in low-prevalence populations is put forward. The effectiveness of current recommended therapeutic regimens of Chlamydia trachomatis infections are considered in light of the notably high proportion of such recurrent and/or relapsing infections.