Novel Strategies in Chlamydia Prevention

Chlamydia remains one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Untreated infection can result in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility among women, presenting a challenge to improve on prevention strategies. In this project we explore a range of novel intervention approaches for testing and treatment.

We will use a pair formation model of chlamydia to investigate the potential strengths and limitations of different prevention strategies, namely:

1. Partner services
2. More frequent screening of those with a higher rate of chlamydia
3. Point-of-care testing.

The pair formation model can also be used to examine the potential impact of more frequent screening among those who have previously been tested and treated for chlamydia, a group that has an elevated risk for re-infection. Combinations of prevention strategies will also be explored to identify which strategies, both existing and novel, give the largest joint benefits. This project will highlight the strengths and limitations of the different strategies, and their potential impact on controlling the transmission dynamics of chlamydia. Such analyses of novel prevention strategies can inform policy decisions and be used to allocate resources.