English

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Chlamydia trachomatis is the leading cause of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Chlamydial infections, if undiagnosed and untreated can result in irreversible sequelae. Infected patients serve as a reservoir of infection to their partners. The present study was designed to determine the epidemiological markers and seroprevalence of genital Chlamydia in female STI patients attending STI clinics. METHODS: A total of 226 clinically suspected cases of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) patients attending STI clinic were studied for seroprevalence of chlamydia trachomatis along with age, marital status, history of sexual contact and contraception use. Patients were investigated for the presence of IgG antibody of chlamydia trachomatis with ELISA (Novatech, Germany). RESULTS: Seroprevalence of chlamydia trachomatis was found to be 55.66% for IgG by ELISA. Genital Chlamydia was more commonly seen in sexually active group (21-30 years).Highest prevalence was seen in married patients (53.75%), in patients who had history of sexual contact (61.25%) and who were using oral contraceptive pills (63.93%) as a contraceptive method. CONCLUSION: Though tissue culture is gold standard, serological assays are much simpler, sensitive and rapid methods for detection of chlamydia trachomatis. Co-infection of Chlamydia with other STIs highlights the importance of early laboratory diagnosis and specific treatment.