Prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis in male clients of female sex workers in Melbourne

Purpose: Our aim was to develop a methodology to measure the prevalence of sexually transmissible diseases (STDs) in male condom-using clients of female sex workers in Melbourne, and to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in this group. Methods: Discarded (used) condoms were collected by sex workers from nine legal brothels across Melbourne during a one-week period in 1995. The seminal fluid samples were subsequently analysed for Chlamydia trachomatis. Sex workers who participated in the project provided daily tampon specimens which were also tested for C. trachomatis. Basic socio-demographic information was recorded by the sex worker for each client. Results: Approximately 2 per cent of specimens from clients and 2.5 per cent from sex workers showed evidence of chlamydial infection. We did not identify any sociodemographic association with Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Conclusions: The study was the first study in Australia to collect samples for STD testing from the clients of sex workers, independent of presentation at STD treatment services. It clearly shows the presence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis in a presumably asymptomatic and multipartnered group of Victorian men.