Epidemiology of female genital Chlamydia trachomatis infections.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that 92 million new cases of C. trachomatis (Chlamydia trachomatis) infection occur each year. This chapter focuses on the epidemiology of C. trachomatis infection, including the prevalence of infection in high- and low-risk groups, the incidence of infection, and data on secular trends. The evidence on the transmission of infection is reviewed. Risk factors for C. trachomatis infection in women are discussed. The adverse sequelae associated with C. trachomatis infection are described. Areas requiring further research are highlighted.