Cases of Australian girls with undiagnosed chlamydia are rising. This was according to a research study presented by Associate Professor David Wilson at a Darwin conference on sexual health.

The study claimed even before the Aussie girls have reached puberty, they keep chlamydia the most viral sexually transmitted disease. Prof. Wilson from the University of New South Wales said more than 82,000 people have sexually transmitted infections. From this population, only 13,649 were diagnosed in 2012.

Wilson added chlamydia is reportedly the most frequent among sexually transmitted infections. He noted research findings show that the number of young girls with undiagnosed chlamydia is in between 400,000 to 500,000.

Carol El-Hayek, infectious disease manager at Burnt Institute, said her research findings indicated girls between the ages 12 and 15 were tested less for infections than older girls. Young girls below 16 may be likely to test positive for chlamydia.

Among those tested, 13 percent of them were found to have the disease. The rate was found to be higher compared to girls aged 16 to 24. El-Hayek added young Aussie teens were only tested if they were showing symptoms or they were believed to be sexually active.

She was surprised to find out that the girls as young as 12 had chlamydia. Based on existing research, girls aged 12 to 15 were already having sex but researchers still don't know the extent of their sexual behavior.

Series of tests for chlamydia were conducted in 15 laboraties in Australia between 2008 and 2010. Chlamydia is transmitted through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex. It does not show immediate symptoms but if left untreated, this can cause long-term health implications, including infertility.

The study estimated that one in 20 Aussie girls aged 15 to 24 has chlamydia. Girls under 16 have the highest chlamydia cases based on research findings.

RELATED STORIES