Chlamydia: management in the physician's office.

Chlamydia trachomatis infections constitute the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted disease (STD) in Wisconsin. In 1987, chlamydia became Wisconsin's most frequently reported STD. Several significant clinical syndromes have been associated with chlamydia infection. Prevention and control of STD needs to become a basic part of primary care within the private medical setting. Determination of the need to test a patient for chlamydia infection cannot be based solely on the presence of signs or symptoms. Physicians in private practice need to identify high-risk patients and selectively screen high-risk men and women, rapidly initiate treatment of chlamydia-infected patients and their sexual partners, and work closely with public health personnel as part of disease intervention.