Abstract
To study the prevalence of genital chlamydia and gonococcal infections in women at risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections in the Kumasi metropolis, Ghana. Structured interviews and clinical examination of participants and obtaining vaginal swabs to test for gonorrhoea and chlamydia infections. Women aged between 18-35 years (inclusive) with a history of having at least 3 sexual acts per week and having had at least 2 sex partners in the previous 3 months and were willing to be part of the study. One thousand and seventy (1070) women participated in the study. Genital chlamydia infection was found in 4.8% of participants whilst gonococcal infection was found in 0.9% of participants. The prevalence of genital chlamydia and gonococcal infections was low in these at-risk women. The prevalence is also lower than reported in other female populations in the country.
Highlights
Chlamydia trachomatis is a small obligate intracellular bacterium transmitted by sexual intercourse
It is a cause of endocervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women.[1,2,3]
Chlamydia and gonococcal infections constitute the major cause of pelvic inflammatory disease
Summary
Chlamydia trachomatis is a small obligate intracellular bacterium transmitted by sexual intercourse. Untreated infections are estimated to increase the likelihood of HIV transmission.[5,6] Neiserria gonorrhoeae is a gram-negative intracellular diplococcus (GNID) which causes disease only in humans. It is sexually transmitted and infects the columnar epithelium of the endocervix in women.[1,2] It can infect the urethra and the rectum. About 50% of gonococcal infections in women are asymptomatic.[1,2] Untreated gonococcal infections, like chlamydia, can lead to tubal damage and blockage, chronic pelvic pain, infertility and ectopic pregnancy.[7,8,9]
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