 More than 500 studies are being presented at the 2014 STD Prevention Conference, addressing a wide range of research relevant to preventing and treating sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The new estimates also suggest that many cases go undiagnosed. Studies of Interest 
 
 Title: Prevalence of Chlamydia Trachomatis – United States, 2007-2012 (WP 4) 
 
 Overview: Using 2007-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, study investigators calculated new, nationally representative estimates for chlamydia prevalence overall, as well as by sex, age, and race. Researchers analyzed data from the 2007 to 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found that 1.7 percent of men and women aged 14 to 39 have chlamydia, which works out to about 1.8 million infections in the United States. According to a new government report, approximately 1.8 million people in the United States have the sexually transmitted disease, but only 1.4 million infections have been recorded, HealthDay News reported. The chlamydia infection rate is highest among sexually active girls aged 14 to 19, at 6.4 percent, the investigators found. Among sexually active male adolescents aged 14-19 years, there was an estimated chlamydia prevalence of 2.4 percent. Additionally, rates were much different between races; around 18.6 percent of sexually active black teens were found to have chlamydia compared to 3.2 percent of sexually active white teen girls. Based on these findings, the authors stress the importance of screening all sexually active young females, according to CDC guidelines, to ensure that those who are infected get diagnosed and treated. They also note that substantial racial disparities highlight the need for targeted interventions, particularly to reduce the impact of chlamydia among young African American women. This study suggests that the GYT campaign had a significant impact on increasing STD testing among high-risk young people in Cook County. Along with the revelation of underreported cases, they also found that young women are at a much greater risk of harboring chlamydia, with infection rates the highest among sexually active girls between the ages of 14 and 19. However, because they often have no symptoms, many STDs go untreated – and individuals unaware that they’re infected may unknowingly infect others.
– Hundreds of thousands of Americans—especially black teenage girls—have a disease that could leave them infertile but don't know it, federal health officials warn. Researchers say that around 1.7% of men and women aged 14 to 39 have chlamydia, which adds up to 1.8 million cases nationwide, but only 1.4 million cases have been reported, leaving around 400,000 undiagnosed cases of the sexually transmitted disease, reports WebMD. The disease can do serious damage to women's reproductive systems but is often symptomless, Fox notes. "Young women continue to bear a disproportionate burden," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researchers say in a press release, explaining that there is a chlamydia prevalence of 6.4% among sexually active adolescent girls aged between 14 and 19—but with a major racial disparity. The rate is 18.6% among black teenage girls, compared to 3.2% among white girls. The researcher says the study shows the need for regular screening of sexually active teen girls, with targeted intervention for those most at risk.