Time to Cure Chlamydia Trachomatis: Prospective Cohort Study on Detection of Chlamydial RNA and DNA in Anorectal and Cervicovaginal Infections During 8 Weeks After Directly Observed Treatment With Azithromycin

Prospective Cohort Study on Detection of Chlamydial ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in anorectal and cervicovaginal Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infections during 8 weeks after directly observed treatment with Azythromycin. The investigators systematically assessed presence of Ct plasmid DNA and rRNA through multiple time-sequential measurements following treatment with 1000mg Azythromycin. By convenience sampling at our outpatient sexually transmitted diseases (STD) clinic, 46 non-pregnant women and 6 men were included, contributing 45 cervicovaginal and 15 anorectal infections. Over a period of 8 weeks, patients provided a total of 1016 self-taken cervicovaginal and/or anorectal swabs (response: 94%). All patients were negative for Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), gonorrhea and Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), tested in anorectal Ct. Usual care was applied by advising abstinence or safe sex for one week and by providing treatment for steady partners. Participants provided written informed consent.