Genital chlamydia now the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Consistent with other Western European states, the numbers and rates of bacterial and viral sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have been increasing since the mid-1990s (1). Recently released figures (collected on the national KC60 statistical returns) on diagnoses made in genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland show that this increase has continued throughout 2001. In 2001, genital chlamydial infection became the most common STI seen in GUM clinics with a total of 71 055 diagnoses. This is the first time in 30 years that a bacterial STI has been the most commonly diagnosed STI and may reflect increased incidence as well as increased awareness and case-finding