Introduction:
We reviewed management of rectal chlamydia in our clinic and adherence to 2015 BASHH audit standards.

Methods:
Electronic patient records of 100 consecutive patients diagnosed with rectal chlamydia prior to 31 July 2016 were reviewed with respect to gender, sexuality, HIV status, symptoms, STI screening, treatment, test of cure (TOC) and partner notification (PN).

Results:
64% were female (all heterosexual). 94% males were MSM; 18% were HIV positive. 1 male presented with rectal symptoms (pain). 23% patients had other genital symptoms. 76% were asymptomatic. 71% had concomitant STIs (including chlamydia at other sites). 90% received doxycycline 100mg bd for at least 1 week. 24% were treated with azithromycin before being recalled for doxycycline. Reasons included; not initially tested for rectal infection, attendance as a contact, initial treatment for presumed GC. All patients were advised to attend for TOC; 58% attended. All TOC were negative. All HIV positive patients were tested for LGV (1 positive). 1 MSM with rectal pain was not tested for LGV but subsequent TOC was negative. 36% received written information. PN was performed in 99% of cases with 81% of traceable contacts reported as attended and 47% of contacts being verified as attended.

Discussion:
High numbers of patients were issued with azithromycin as initial treatment requiring recall for doxycycline. This is concerning, particularly in an era of increasing antibiotic resistance. Education sessions have been provided, highlighting the importance of sexual history taking and use of doxycycline as first line chlamydia treatment where rectal infection is possible.

Management of rectal chlamydia in an urban sexual health centre

The Joint Annual Conference of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV & the Society for the Study of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Ireland