Objective: To detect Chlamydia trachomatis infection among 230 patients, 130 with signs or symptoms associated with urethritis, and 100 asymptomatic patients, attending the Jordan University Hospital urology clinic. Methods: Routine urine examination and the leukocyte esterase test were done for each patient. C. trachomatis infection was detected using first-void urine specimens and a cryptic plasmid-based PCR technique specific for C. trachomatis. Results: The prevalence of chlamydial

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... was 4.6% among symptomatic patients with urethritis. The difference in prevalence was statistically insignificant (P > 0.05) between males and females, as well as in relation to their marital status. Two-thirds of the Chlamydia-positive patients also had urine positive for leukocyte esterase. Conclusion: The low prevalence of chlamydial infection in association with urethritis among Jordanian patients might be due to the conservative behavior of the Jordanian society towards free sexuality. Int J Infect Dis 2003; 7: 206-209