In this study we aimed to characterize the ompA gene by sequencing DNA from all detected cases of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in a Swedish county during 2001, in order to improve the efficiency of contact tracing. Approximately 990 bp of the ompA gene was amplified, and sequence analysis was achieved in 678 (94%) of 725 C. trachomatis-positive cases in this unselected population. The most prevalent genotype was serotype E (39%), followed by F (21%), G (11%), D (9%), K (9%), J (7%), H (2%), B (1%), and Ia (1%). Serotype E was found in five genotype variants, with the reference sequence comprising 96% of all E cases. Serotype D was the most variable, and of seven sequence variants, three were identified as recombinants with serotype E. Altogether 29 genetic variants were detected, and mutations and recombination events are discussed. Clinical manifestations were not associated with genotypes. Sequence variation was linked to sexual networks identified by contact tracing and improved epidemiological knowledge but was of limited benefit.

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The vast majority of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infections are non-symptomatic or mildly symptomatic. Efficient contact tracing and screening programmes are the most effective means to reveal these infections. We conducted a prospective study on the effects of contact tracing performed by specially trained midwives in a centralized municipality-based organization during one year. In order to improve the efficiency of the contact tracing, all C. trachomatis-positive isolates in the county during one year were typed by sequencing the ompA gene. Contact tracing in two municipalities the year prior to the study revealed 1.6 partners for each index case (n = 110). The corresponding figure for the whole county during the study period was 2.1 partners per index case (n = 2065). Genotyping added valuable information in mapping individual sexual networks, but was not essential for achieving satisfactory contact tracing results.

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The aim of this article is to discuss the greatest expansion of vacation housing in Sweden for the period of 1960–1980. In focus are product advertisements related to new vacation houses for sale by producers of prefabricated wooden vacation houses. The empirical exploration is based on a content analysis of all issues of a widespread Swedish lifestyle magazine, published monthly between 1960 and 1980. A limited selection of advertisements is further analyzed from a perspective of discourse analysis. The selected advertisements are telling stories, a basic approach in advertising. As a result of the analysis a number of recurring stories can be constructed; the story of freedom of choice and of modern life, the story of multiple dwelling and of the good life, and of family unity. The stories could be stated to be closely connected to crucial values of the “people's home,” the core principle of the Swedish welfare state.