Young age, having sex more than once with the infected partner, and a greater number of partners are all risk factors for chlamydia in contacts, a study from a GUM clinic has shown. A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study was carried out using contacts of chlamydia cases attending a GUM clinic in Leicester. Only those who were verified as a contact case and willing to have a chlamydia test were included. 'This study is too small to trigger any changes to current practice. Larger studies are needed to weigh up the risks and benefits of switching to a policy of offering epidemiological treatment just to high-risk contacts, the researchers conclude. However, this study helps to reinforce the importance of partner notification as an important tool to reduce onward infection of STIs such as chlamydia. Not only do we need to convey the importance to the index case that their partners need testing and treatment, but we also need to remember to test and treat the partners if they present to us in general practice.'