# Community-Based Pilot Study of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Urogenital Infections Among Young Adults in the North and the Central Coast of Portugal

## TL;DR

A pilot study in Portugal found a low prevalence of Chlamydia and gonorrhea infections among young adults, with no symptoms reported and genotype E being common.

## Contribution

This study provides preliminary data on the prevalence and genetic diversity of Chlamydia and gonorrhea in young adults in Portugal.

## Key findings

- Five out of 152 participants tested positive for Chlamydia trachomatis, one for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and one for co-infection.
- Genotyping revealed that three Chlamydia-positive cases were of ompA genotype E.
- No participants with positive results reported symptoms of infection.

## Abstract

Background and Objectives: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are among the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with the highest incidence in individuals aged up to 25 years. However, data from Portugal remain scarce. This cross-sectional pilot study aimed to assess the prevalence of urogenital CT and NG infections in young adults in Portugal and to identify the major CT genotypes circulating in this population. Materials and Methods: A total of 152 young adults aged 18–25 years were recruited over a six-month period from universities, a sports club, and a coworking space. Urine samples were tested using the Cobas 4800 CT/NG assay (Roche, Rotkreuz, Switzerland). CT-positive samples were further genotyped based on ompA gene diversity to identify major urogenital genotypes (D to K). All participants provided informed consent and completed a questionnaire on demographic characteristics and risk behaviors. Results: Of the 152 urine samples analyzed, five tested positive for CT, one for NG, and one sample showed co-infection with both pathogens. None of the participants with positive results reported symptoms. Genotyping of CT-positive samples identified ompA genotype E in three cases. Conclusions: Despite limitations such as small sample size and convenience sampling, this pilot study offers preliminary insights into the prevalence and genetic diversity of CT and NG infections among young adults in Portugal. The findings highlight the need for expanded screening programs, site-specific sample collection, and culture-based diagnostics to support evidence-based public health strategies targeting these infections.