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Background: STD prevalence is known to be high in many jail settings.
Objectives: To assess and test positivity and treatment rates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections among young female inmates at the Milwaukee County Jail (MCJ).
Methods: Female inmates aged < 40 years who were booked into MCJ during October 1, 2010 to January 31, 2011 received PCR testing for GC and CT of urine specimens collected at the time of booking. Within one working day, all results were logged into an MCJ/STD project-specific database and faxed to the Wisconsin Division of Public Health (WDPH) STD Program; case data were entered into the WDPH electronic surveillance database. Female inmates who tested positive and were still in-house received doxycycline and/or ceftriaxone treatment per CDC guidelines; alternate regimens were used when appropriate. Female inmates with positive tests who were released prior to treatment were referred to the City of Milwaukee Health Department STD/HIV Clinic for treatment and follow-up.
Results: Among 452 women screened, 74 (16%) had CT and/or GC infections. Among 36 women charged with loitering, prostitution and or providing escort services, 6 (17%) were diagnosed with CT infection and 4 (11%) were diagnosed with GC infection. Among the 416 women with other charges, 51 (12%) were diagnosed with CT infection and 23 (6%) were diagnosed with GC infection. Eleven women were co-infected. The overall in-house combined treatment rate for both infections was 56%.
Conclusions: This project was highly successful, but several areas for improvement were identified. Locating positive women who are released prior to treatment remains difficult, and the in- house treatment rate likely would have been higher if the laboratory provided testing services during weekend.
Implications for Programs, Policy, and Research: Further GC and CT testing at the MJC for women aged <40 years at booking will be continued in 2011-2012.