Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in Singaporean Women Undergoing Termination of Pregnancy

Abstract

The primary objective is to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among 200 women seeking termination of pregnancy (TOP) at National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore. The secondary objective is to determine the existence of high-risk sexual behaviours/practices among these women. Two endocervical swabs were taken from these women; one was transported in Chlamydia transport medium at 2 degrees C to 8 degrees C, while the other was transported in a dry swab at room temperature and analysed with ligase chain reaction/enzyme immunoassay. Demographic data was collected with regard to relevant risk factors in a standard questionnaire. 8% (16/200) of the women were found to be positive for Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Both the wet and dry methods of transport were equally effective in detection. 16.2% of the women in < or =25 years old group were positive versus 3.1% in the > or =25 years old group (P <0.001). 75% of the Chlamydia positive women had no symptoms/signs of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Of the 16 positive women, 14 (87.5%) did not use any contraception. All 12 women below 25 years of age did not use any contraception. Prevalence of infertility causing Chlamydia trachomatis infection in women is related to age. Thus the recommendation is the opportunistic screening of sexually active women less than 25 years of age.