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Chlamydia trachomatis strains are discriminated by serotyping based on the antigenic difference between the major outer membrane proteins. The conference will cover the common sexually transmitted form of Chlamydia trachomatis (serovars D to K) and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) (serovars L1, L2, L2a and L3) and will not cover trachoma.
Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacterium that is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI) in Europe. People with genital chlamydia may experience symptoms of genital tract inflammation including urethritis and cervicitis, but the majority remains asymptomatic. Chlamydia is a significant public health problem because untreated chlamydia may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, subfertility and poor reproductive outcomes in some women. The cost of treating subfertility due to Chlamydia is high as it requires tubal surgery and invitro fertilisation. Although inexpensive and effective treatment is available, control of Chlamydia is challenging since most people are asymptomatic.
The ECDC report (ECDC, 2008) presents a systematic survey of Chlamydia control activities in 29 countries, including 24 EU Member States. It appears that the organization of Chlamydia control varies widely. Activities classified as national programmes were identified in only two countries, England and the Netherlands. Similarly, there is variation in the recommendations between different guidelines, for example in the need for repeat testing. LGV has re-emerged as a significant STI in Europe (Kapoor 2008). These outbreaks were sporadic cases of LGV in the west although it was underdiagnosed due to limited diagnostic methods and facilities.
HPV infection is the most common STI and has been clearly established as the necessary cause of invasive cervical cancer. The vast majority of cervical cancer cases and deaths occur in East-European developing countries where women have little or no access to effective disease prevention services.
The anticipated result of the Conference is to provide Conference materials (Conference book, Essentials of the Conference, results of questionnaires, Forum for discussion) which shall be the background to prepare guidance for national programmes in European countries for Chlamydia trachomatis and HPV.
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