Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the homeless population of Medellín, Colombia: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) in the homeless population in Medellín, Colombia, using molecular diagnostic methods. It also intended to develop a demographic profile, exploring associated factors and the dynamics of the social and sexual interactions of this community. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Two homeless care centres in Medellín, Colombia. PARTICIPANTS: Homeless individuals that assisted to the main homeless care centres of Medellín, Colombia from 2017 to 2019. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence of CT and NG in this population using qPCR detection, factors associated with CT and NG infection, and the sociodemographic profile of the community. RESULTS: The prevalence of CT infection was 19.2%, while that of NG was 22.6%. Furthermore, being a female was significantly correlated to CT infection p<0.05 (adjusted OR, AOR 2.42, 95% CI 1.31 to 4.47). NG infection was significantly associated with factors such as: sexual intercourse while having a sexually transmitted infection p<0.05 (AOR 3.19, 95% CI 1.48 to 6.85), having more than 11 sexual partners in the last 6 months p=0.04 (AOR 2.91, 95% CI 1.04 to 8.09) and having daily intercourse p=0.05 (AOR 3.15, 95% CI 1.02 to 9.74). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CT and NG was higher than that reported in the general population. Additionally, females had a higher percentage of infection compared with males.