To Test the Effectiveness of ELISA Method for DetectingChlamydia trachomatisInfection in Screening of Antenatal Cases in Indian Settings

Abstract

Chlamydia trachomatis is known to cause several complications in pregnant women and in their newborn. This study was conducted to find out the effectiveness of ELISA method for detecting C. trachomatis infection in screening of antenatal cases in Indian Settings. Antibodies to C. trachomatis were tested by ELISA method in sera of 200 unbooked pregnant women (Group A) who reported for the first time during labour and 200 booked antenatal cases (Group B). Seropositive cases along with their sexual partners were treated with one gram of tablet azithromycin and followed up till delivery. The outcome of pregnancy was recorded in both the groups in terms of premature rupture of membranes (PROM), preterm labor (PTL), still birth (SB) and low birth weight (LBW). 11(30.56%) of 36 seropositive women in Group A had one or more of above complications of pregnancy as compared to only 20(12.2%) of 164 seronegative cases, a statistically significant difference (Χ2 7.598, P 0.006). In Group B only 5 (10.4%) of the 48 treated seropositive women had one or more complications of pregnancy as compared to 17 (11.2%) in seronegative cases, statistically insignificant difference (Χ2 0.022, P 0.882). Also 11(30.56%) of 36 seropositive untreated postnatal women as compared to only 5(10.4%) of 48 treated antenatal cases had complication of pregnancy, a significant decrease (Χ2 5.411, P < 0.020). The study highlights that ELISA method for screening antenatal cases for C. trachomatis infection is an effective tool.