Prevalence Of Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection Research Articles

Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection among Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Patients Attending the Gynaecology Clinic of a Private Tertiary Hospital in Ogun State, Nigeria

Background: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is one of the very serious complications arising from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and Chlamydia trachomatis has been implicated as one of the commonest causes of STI. Considering the adverse sequelae of PID, there is a need for locally relevant data which will guide preventive and therapeutic efforts. Detection of a combination of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) has been described as an indicator of an actively chronic infection Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection by the use of IgA and IgG and evaluate the associated risk factors among females that presented with Pelvic inflammatory disease at the gynaecology clinic of Babcock University Teaching Hospital. Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. (BUTH) Materials and Methods: This was a hospital–based, case-controlled study involving 44 patients diagnosed with PID and 44 age-matched controls at the gynaecology clinic of BUTHI. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics, and risk factors for PID, from consenting participants. Blood samples were collected from each participant and analysed, using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, for Chlamydia trachomatis type‑specific for IgA and IgG. Analysis was done by SPSS, IBM version 23.0 Results: Both IgG and IgA were present in 15 cases (34.1%) as compared to none of the controls. The difference between Chlamydia IgG, IgA and (IgG+IgA) among the cases and the controls were statistically significant. Majority of the participants positive for the immunoglobulins were aged 25 years or younger (11, 73.3%), number of lifetime sex partners and age of first sexual intercourse being 18 years or younger were statistically associated with Chlamydia trachomatis causing PID. Conclusion: Chlamydia trachomatis remains an important causative pathogen of PID and more prevalent among the young people. Screening is advocated among the young in resource limited countries.

A suitable and efficient optimization system for the culture of Chlamydia trachomatis in adult inclusion conjunctivitis.

The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in the genitourinary tract is increasing, with an annual rise of 9 million cases. Individuals afflicted with these infections are at a heightened risk of developing adult inclusive conjunctivitis (AIC), which is commonly recognized as the ocular manifestation of this sexually transmitted infection. Despite its significant clinical implications, the lack of distinctive symptoms and the overlap with other ocular conditions often lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of AIC associated with C. trachomatis infection. Here, we established six distinct C. trachomatis culture cell lines, specifically highlighting the MA104 N*V cell line that exhibited diminished expression of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), resulting in reduced interferons. Infected MA104 N*V cells displayed the highest count of intracytoplasmic inclusions detected through immunofluorescence staining, peaking at 48 h postinfection. Subsequently, MA104 N*V cells were employed for clinical screening in adult patients diagnosed with AIC. Among the evaluated cohort of 20 patients, quantitative PCR (qPCR) testing revealed positive results in seven individuals, indicating the presence of C. trachomatis infection. Furthermore, the MA104 N*V cell cultures derived from these infected patients demonstrated successful cultivation and replication of the pathogen, confirming its viability and infectivity. Molecular genotyping identified four distinct urogenital serovars, with serovar D being the most prevalent (4/7), followed by E (1/7), F (1/7), and Ia (1/7). This novel cellular model contributes to studies on C. trachomatis pathogenesis, molecular mechanisms, and host-pathogen interactions both in vitro and in vivo. It also aids in acquiring clinically relevant strains critical for advancing diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines against C. trachomatis.

Chlamydia trachomatis genotypes in sexually transmitted disease clinic attendees in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Introduction: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is the most common cause of non-gonococcal urethritis. Prevalence of CT infections in Sri Lanka was 17.1% in females in 2015. Real-time PCR for diagnostic testing of CT was started in 2015 but screening programmes have not been initiated due to the high cost. The aim of this study was to determine the genotypes of CT in patients from Colombo, since genotypic distribution in Sri Lanka is not known.Methods: Stored first void urine samples (n=208) from a previous study on patients attending two clinics in Colombo were used. Samples that were positive by Artus C. trachomatis Plus RG Real time PCR (Qiagen) were retested with a nested PCR described previously, which generated 15 ompA sequences suitable for standard sequencing.Results: Genovars E (n=6; 40%), F (n=5; 33.3%), G (n=3; 20%) and H (n=1; 6.7%) were identified.Conclusions: As seen in most parts of the world, genovar E and F were the most commonly detected CT genovars among patients in Colombo.

Derivation and Internal Validation of a Risk Score for Predicting Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Kenyan Women Planning Conception.

Availability of laboratory confirmation of sexually transmitted infections is increasing in low- and middle-income countries, but costs continue to limit their access. Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is a sexually transmitted infection of significant clinical importance, particularly among women. This study aimed to develop a risk score to identify women with a higher likelihood of CT infection, who could then be prioritized for laboratory testing, in a population of Kenyan women planning pregnancies. Women with fertility intentions were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios for the association between demographic, medical, reproductive, and behavioral characteristics and the prevalence of CT infection. A risk score was developed and validated internally based on the regression coefficients in the final multivariable model. The prevalence of CT was 7.4% (51 of 691). A risk score for predicting CT infection, with scores 0 to 6, was derived from participants' age, alcohol use, and presence of bacterial vaginosis. The prediction model yielded an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.78 (95% confidene interval [Cl], 0.72-0.84). A cutoff of ≤2 versus >2 identified 31.8% of women as higher risk with moderate sensitivity (70.6%; 95% Cl, 56.2-71.3) and specificity (71.3%; 95% Cl, 67.7-74.5). The bootstrap-corrected area under the receiver operating curve was 0.77 (95% Cl, 0.72-0.83). In similar populations of women planning pregnancies, this type of risk score could be useful for prioritizing women for laboratory testing and would capture most women with CT infections while performing more costly testing in less than half of the population.

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection and evaluation of its genotypes among pregnant women in Tehran, Iran.

Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular pathogen. Infection with C. trachomatis in pregnant women can result in maternal and fetal death, due to pelvic inflammatory disease. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate this infection in pregnant women and identify circulating genotypes of C. trachomatis in Tehran, Iran. Endocervical swabs were obtained from 101 pregnant women and tested by PCR assay to detect cryptic plasmid gene. Positive isolates were analyzed for C. trachomatis genotypes through amplification and sequencing of the omp1 gene and alignment with deposited sequences in Gene Bank. Infection with C. trachomatis was observed in 11 cases, yielding an overall prevalence of 10.8% in total. The majority of infected women were asymptomatic and the rate of infection was found more in women at the age of ≥30 years. However, no statistical association was found between C. trachomatis infection and risk factors in pregnant women. Analysis of isolated sequences revealed genotypes E (44.4%), D and F (both 22.2%), and K (11.2%) as main genotypes of C. trachomatis in this region. Results of this study showed the prevalence of C. trachomatis infections among pregnant women is relatively high. Identifying the precise rate of infection and associated genotypes in other regions is suggested.

The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection by Nucleic Acid Amplification test in women of reproductive age group under treatment for infertility

BackgroundIn India, the prevalence of Chlamydia Trachomatis (CT) studies in different groups are focused on high-risk populations – HIV-positive women and female sex workers – and have shown a variable prevalence rate ranging from 1.1 to 45%. One concern about comparing these studies is that the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test is estimated to be only 65–70% sensitive. The data of CT prevalence among women undergoing treatment for infertility, using more sensitive methods, such as Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT), are sparse. The disease is easily treatable, and knowledge of prevalence will provide the burden of disease on fertility. MethodsA cross-sectional hospital-based observational study was carried out on 169 patients attending an infertility clinic at assisted reproductive technology (ART) center or gynecology outpatient department (OPD) of a tertiary care hospital. ResultsThe overall prevalence was 8.87% with the highest prevalence (53.84%) among the women having vaginal discharge. The prevalence in patients with secondary infertility (10.81%) was higher than in those with primary infertility (7.36%). ConclusionIt is recommended that patients attending gynecological OPD in low resource setting to be treated for Chlamydia empirically and if facilities permit then they should undergo NAAT for CT detection. Screening programs are warranted among Indian women of child bearing age to prevent complications of Chlamydia infection like tubal blockage and dyspareunia.

Chlamydia trachomatis infection and its associated factors among asymptomatic outpatients attending sexually transmitted disease-related clinics

Objective: To understand the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection and its associated factors among asymptomatic outpatients attending sexually transmitted disease (STD)-related clinics in Shenzhen and provide evidence for development of future interventions. Methods: From April 15 to May 16, 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted and patients attending STD-related Clinics were recruited from 22 medical institutions in Nanshan, Luohu, Bao'an, Longgang, Yantian, and Longhua districts of Shenzhen. After the informed consent from each participant was obtained, social-demographic information was collected through a structured questionnaire and urine samples were collected for CT nucleic acid detection. In addition, logistic regression was used to explore associated factors of CT infection. Results: In asymptomatic outpatients, the prevalence of CT infection was 7.16% (250/3 492). Being single (aOR=2.29, 95%CI:1.65-3.16), without registered Shenzhen residency (aOR=1.49, 95%CI:1.04-2.13), and without previous CT testing in the past year (aOR=2.04, 95%CI:1.03-4.05) were the risk factors of CT infection in asymptomatic outpatients. Among participants without registered Shenzhen residency, 89.25% (2 176/2 438) were college-degree or below, and 51.29% (1 255/2 447) were aged ≤30 years, and the risk of CT infection among those ≤30 years old was 1.73 times higher than those >30 years old (95%CI:1.28-2.34). Conclusions: The prevalence of CT infection was high among asymptomatic outpatients attending STD-related clinics in Shenzhen. Routine CT screening should be carried out for this population, especially for those with sexually active age, being single, with low educational level, and without previous CT testing in the past year. Also, raising their awareness of knowledge and adverse outcomes of CT infection should be considered to promote routine CT screening and timely treatment.

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in pregnant women from Durban, South Africa.

The Sub-Saharan African region has some of the world's highest prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These infections are considered a major public health concern. Previous studies on the prevalence of C. trachomatis infection in Sub-Saharan Africa have reported rates ranging from 3.1% to 36.8% in pregnant women. This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors associated with C. trachomatis infection in pregnant women. This study included 735 stored clinical samples that were collected from pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at King Edward VIII Hospital in Durban from 2018 -2021. C. trachomatis was detected using the Applied BiosystemsTM TaqMan® Assays from stored DNA samples. A total of 81/735 (11%) samples tested positive for C. trachomatis infection. The overall median (Q1-Q3) age of the women was 29.0 years (24.0-35.0). The majority of the women who tested positive for C. trachomatis were younger, median (Q1-Q3) age 26.0 years (23.0-32.0) vs 30.0 years (25.0-35.0) for the negative women (p < .001). Of the positive women, 96.3% were unmarried (p=0.014). Older women were less likely to test positive for C. trachomatis infection (OR: 0.93; 95% CI 0.89-0.96 p = .001). Women who were married (OR: 0.25; 95% CI 0.06-0.70; p = .022), co-habiting with their partner (OR: 0.60; 95% CI 0.36-0.98; p = .048) and started having sex at older than 15years (OR:0.26; 95% CI 0.09-0.87; p = .018) were less likely to test positive for C. trachomatis compared to their counterparts. This study showed that behavioural and clinical factors were associated with prevalent infections. In order to reduce prevalent infections, stronger risk reduction counselling messages need to be provided from the educational and public health sector.

A systematic review of the prevalence of selected sexually transmitted infections in young people in Latin America.

ABSTRACTObjective.To estimate the burden of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Treponema pallidum (TP), and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections among people aged 10 to 25 in Latin America and the Caribbean.Methods.The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS databases were searched, as well as documents from regional organizations or national health Institutions. Population-based studies that reported prevalence or incidence of CT, NG, TP, and HPV detected through confirmatory tests in adolescents and young people were included. Two reviewers independently selected studies and extracted data. The quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Pooled estimators were calculated in cases where heterogeneity was <70%; when not feasible, prevalence ranges were reported.Results.Out of a total of 3 583 references, 15 prevalence studies complied with the inclusion criteria. Due to substantial heterogeneity (>70%), it was not possible to pool frequency estimators. Among the general population, the prevalence of CT infection ranged between 2.1% and 30.1% (9 studies, 5 670 participants); for NG, prevalence ranged between 0% and 2.9% (8 studies, 5 855 participants); for TP, prevalence varied between 0% and 0.7% (3 studies, 11 208 participants), and for HPV infection, prevalence ranged between 25.1% and 55.6% (8 studies, 3 831 participants).Conclusions.Reliable, population-based data on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in adolescents and youth in Latin America and the Caribbean are limited. Additional studies are needed to better understand the burden of STIs in this population. However, given the substantial prevalence of STIs detected, countries need public health policies for prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of STIs in young people.

Frequency of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Patients with Imminent Preterm Delivery on the Island of Curaçao.

Sexually transmitted infections are one of the important risk factors for preterm delivery, which is among the important contributors to perinatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in women with imminent preterm delivery in Curaçao, an island of the Dutch Caribbean. All women from Curaçao with either preterm premature rupture of the membranes or preterm labor, common indications of imminent preterm delivery, and presenting at the Curaçao Medical Center between 15 November 2019 and 31 December 2020, were included in this single cohort study. Data were retrospectively collected from medical records. The presence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae was assessed by Cepheid GeneXpert ® (Xpert) CT/NG assay (Sunnyvale, CA, USA). In the included cohort, the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection was 15.5% and of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection was 2.1%. All patients infected with Neisseria gonorrhoeae were co-infected with Chlamydia trachomatis. The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in patients with imminent preterm delivery in Curaçao is high. It is recommended to test all patients with imminent preterm delivery for these sexually transmitted infections and possibly consider testing all women in early pregnancy on the island.

Prevalence and Characterization of Undiagnosed Youths at Risk of Chlamydia trachomatis Infection: A Cross-sectional Study.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in undiagnosed young people aged between 15 and 24 years.Materials and MethodsA convenience sample of 623 youths, with a mean (SD) age of 20.1 (2.2) years, was recruited from key spaces in the North Metropolitan area of Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain. Participants completed a 21-item questionnaire and provided a urine sample or vaginal swab for testing.ResultsThe most common age at the first sexual intercourse was 16 years (24.6%), followed by 15 years (21.3%). Only 32.6% reported always use of condoms, 49.2% sometimes, and 15.6% never. A positive test for chlamydia was found in 34 participants (5.5%; 95% CI, 3.8–7.5), with no difference by sex. A positive test was significantly more common among the participants who were working, who had been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) at some point in their life, and who used web pages/apps to find new sexual partners more than once a month. In the multivariate analysis, working status was an independent factor associated with chlamydial infection (adjusted odds ratio[OR], 8.88; 95% CI, 1.71–46.17), whereas not having been previously diagnosed with an STD (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.07–1.49) and never using the Internet to find sexual partners (OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.03–080) were protective factors against chlamydial infection.ConclusionsThe prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was 5.5%. Working status, a previous diagnosis of STD, and use of the Internet to find new sexual partners were associated with chlamydial test positivity.

Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection Amonginfertile Women At The University College Hospital, Ibadan

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis infection is reported as the commonest cause of tubal and pelvic infection and by proxy, the commonest cause of tubal damage and female infertility. Serotypes D-K are known to cause sexually transmitted genital tract and neonatal infection. Testing for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis has been revolutionized by the development of monoclonal antibodies. This study sought to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among infertile women at the University College Hospital Ibadan and to determine the diagnostic value of Chlamydia antibody testing.&#x0D; Methodology: A cross-sectional study conducted among two hundred and seventy-three women with infertility attending the gynaecology clinic of the University College Hospital Ibadan. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) was performed on all patients as part of their routine evaluation for infertility. Venous blood was obtained to detect Chlamydia Ig G antibodies using the diagnostic bio-probe (DIA.PROBE) enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELIZA) for the quantitative determination of IgG antibodies specific to chlamydia trachomatis.&#x0D; Results: Positive test results for Chlamydia trachomatis were recorded amongst 136 women, giving a prevalence of 49.8%. 46(33.8%) women with normal tubal appearance and 90(66.2%) with tubal disease tested positive for Chlamydia antibodies. Bilateral tubal blockage was seen in 77(28.2%), while left and right tubal blockages were seen in 35(12.8%) and 21(7.7%) respectively. The accuracy of Chlamydia antibody testing in predicting tubal patency revealed a sensitivity of 67.7% and positive predictive value of 66.1% using HSG as the gold standard. Chlamydia trachomatis infection was found to be associated with age at sexual debut, history of ectopic pregnancy and previous history of abortion (P&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: This study revealed a high prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis amongst infertile women especially those with tubal disease. Risk factors associated with the infection such as early age of sexual debut, ectopic pregnancy and abortion further support the role of infectious morbidity especially with Chlamydia trachomatis.

Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection Amonginfertile Women At The University College Hospital, Ibadan

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis infection is reported as the commonest cause of tubal and pelvic infection and by proxy, the commonest cause of tubal damage and female infertility. Serotypes D-K are known to cause sexually transmitted genital tract and neonatal infection. Testing for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis has been revolutionized by the development of monoclonal antibodies. This study sought to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among infertile women at the University College Hospital Ibadan and to determine the diagnostic value of Chlamydia antibody testing.&#x0D; Methodology: A cross-sectional study conducted among two hundred and seventy-three women with infertility attending the gynaecology clinic of the University College Hospital Ibadan. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) was performed on all patients as part of their routine evaluation for infertility. Venous blood was obtained to detect Chlamydia Ig G antibodies using the diagnostic bio-probe (DIA.PROBE) enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELIZA) for the quantitative determination of IgG antibodies specific to chlamydia trachomatis.&#x0D; Results: Positive test results for Chlamydia trachomatis were recorded amongst 136 women, giving a prevalence of 49.8%. 46(33.8%) women with normal tubal appearance and 90(66.2%) with tubal disease tested positive for Chlamydia antibodies. Bilateral tubal blockage was seen in 77(28.2%), while left and right tubal blockages were seen in 35(12.8%) and 21(7.7%) respectively. The accuracy of Chlamydia antibody testing in predicting tubal patency revealed a sensitivity of 67.7% and positive predictive value of 66.1% using HSG as the gold standard. Chlamydia trachomatis infection was found to be associated with age at sexual debut, history of ectopic pregnancy and previous history of abortion (P&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: This study revealed a high prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis amongst infertile women especially those with tubal disease. Risk factors associated with the infection such as early age of sexual debut, ectopic pregnancy and abortion further support the role of infectious morbidity especially with Chlamydia trachomatis.&#x0D;

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the homeless population of Medellín, Colombia: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) in the homeless population in Medellín, Colombia, using molecular diagnostic methods. It also intended to develop a demographic...

High prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among women attending STD and gynecology clinics in Jiangsu province, China: A cross-sectional survey.

Epidemics of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection among women are major global public health concerns. This study examined the prevalence of CT infection and associated factors among women attending sexually transmitted disease (STD) and gynecology clinics in Jiangsu province, China.A cross-sectional survey was conducted among women attending STD and gynecology clinics in the province during 2018 to 2019. Socio-demographic and behavioral information were collected through face-to-face questionnaire survey. Cervical swab specimens were collected to test for CT. Chi square tests were used to compare differences in CT prevalence between subgroups of characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with CT infection.A total of 2664 participants were enrolled. The prevalence of CT infection was 16.6% (95% confidence interval: 15.0%–18.1%). Of those, CT prevalence among participants from STD clinics (19.4%) and South Jiangsu (18.5%) were higher. Female outpatients who were service personnel (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.667, P = .004) or farmers (aOR = 1.593, P = .039), lived in South Jiangsu (aOR = 1.796, P = .004), and were from STD clinics (aOR = 1.608, P = .022) were more likely to infect CT.Our study showed a high prevalence of CT infection among women attending STD and gynecology clinics in Jiangsu province, China. CT screening, surveillance and treatment promotion should therefore be of top priority on the CT prevention agenda.

Population-Based Prevalence of Ocular Chlamydia trachomatis Infection among Infants in the Trachoma Endemic Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

ABSTRACT.Infants ages < 6 months do not receive azithromycin as part of trachoma control and thus may serve as an infection reservoir in persistently endemic districts. The aim of this study was to determine the population-based Chlamydia trachomatis infection prevalence and infectious load among infants ages 1–12 months in persistently trachoma endemic districts in Amhara, Ethiopia. Across six districts, 475 infants were enumerated, and of these 464 (97.7%) were swabbed for infection testing. The C. trachomatis infection prevalence in the study area among infants was 0.2% (95% CI: 0.0–1.5). Among children ages 0–5 years positive for C. trachomatis, the median load was 31 elementary bodies (EB) (Inter quartile range: 7–244 EB), and the infection-positive infant had a load of 7,755 EB. While it is worth reconsidering azithromycin treatment recommendations for the potential mortality benefits, these results do not support lowering the treatment age for trachoma control.

English

BACKGROUND Pelvic inflammatory disease is a spectrum of diseases affecting the female upper genital tract. It is a poly microbial infection and Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common causative agent. We have undertaken this study with the objective of determining the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). METHODS This cross-sectional study consisted of 100 non-pregnant women with clinical features of PID. Endocervical, vaginal swabs and blood samples were collected from them. Polymerase-chain-reaction test (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for chlamydial detection and Gram’s staining &amp; culture for other pathogens were performed. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to study association between the clinical features and Chlamydia trachomatis positivity. RESULTS The prevalence rate of chlamydia was 15.1 %. The other organisms isolated were candida species in 12.9 % and Escherichia coli in 5.3 % of the study population. There was no association between the various demographic variables, menstrual problems, fever, urinary symptoms, history of infertility, abortions, instrumentations and the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis. A significant association was found between the lower abdominal pain which increased during menstruation (P = 0.013) and the two clinical signs, cervical motion tenderness and uterine tenderness (P = 0.001) with the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis and other cervical infections. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence rate of Chlamydia trachomatis in pelvic inflammatory disease was 15 % and other organisms isolated from the cervical swabs were candida species and Escherichia coli. KEY WORDS Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases, Chlamydia trachomatis

Preliminary Results of a Screening Programme for Chlamydia in an Asymptomatic Young Population in Spain.

Introduction: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection has increased in recent years, reaching 127 million cases in 2016. Possible complications, especially among women, require intervention for early detection of the infection. The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence of CT infection in a young, sexually active, asymptomatic population.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2017 and 31 December 2018 among young patients aged 18–25 years attending the emergency room for any reason. The presence of CT and other STIs in urine was determined by the Allplex Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) with a urine sample. All patients testing positive were followed by the STD unit and tests on all sexual partners/contacts were offered. Moreover, we obtained data about sexual habits and risk factors via a self-reporting questionnaire.Results: One thousand three hundred eight patients were eligible for inclusion of whom 298 consented to participate. Of these, 22/298 (7.4%) were diagnosed with CT. Young people with two or more sexual partners in the last month and those suffering from infection by ureaplasma were at greater risk of infection by CT. Up to 50% of participants do not use barrier methods.Conclusion: The prevalence of infection by CT in the asymptomatic young population is higher than expected according to the recent literature in Spain. The scarce use of barrier methods among this population may be one of the causes of this increase and one of the targets to work on in order to reduce the prevalence of the infection.

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Young Women and Associated Predictors.

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection remains highly prevalent, and young women are disproportionately affected. Most CT-infected women are asymptomatic, and their infection often goes unrecognized and untreated. We hypothesized that testing for active CT infection with molecular diagnostics and obtaining a reported history of CT infection underestimate the prevalence of current and past CT infection, and incorporating serum CT antibody testing in addition to these other prevalence measures would generate more accurate estimates of the prevalence of CT infection in asymptomatic young women. We enrolled 362 asymptomatic women aged 16 to 29 years at 4 different clinical settings in Birmingham, AL, between August 2016 and January 2020 and determined the prevalence of CT infection based on having 1 or more of the following prevalence measures: an active urogenital CT infection based on molecular testing, reported prior CT infection, and/or being CT seropositive. Multivariable regression analysis was used to determine predictors of the prevalence of CT infection after adjustment for participant characteristics. The prevalence of CT infection was 67.7% (95% confidence interval, 62.6%-72.5%). Addition of CT antibody testing to the other individual prevalence measures more than doubled the CT infection prevalence. Non-Hispanic Black race, reported prior gonorrhea, and reported prior trichomoniasis predicted a higher prevalence of CT infection. More than half of women were unaware of ever having CT infection, suggesting many were at risk for CT-associated reproductive complications. These data reinforce the need to adhere to chlamydia screening guidelines and to increase screening coverage in those at risk.

A comparative study of prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among infertile and fertile women at a tertiary care center

Background and Aim: Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium causing sexually transmitted infection leading to urogenital infections which are asymptomatic. If untreated, leads to complications such as chronic pelvic pain, inflammation, and occlusion of the fallopian tubes, resulting in infertility and ectopic pregnancy. The association is found between C. trachomatis infection and female infertility with a prevalence rate of 15%–30%. The aim was to determine the prevalence of C. trachomatis infection in women with infertility. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study of patients presenting with or without infertility. Group A (75 cases) cases with infertility with or without symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease. Group B (75 cases) with no infertility matching age, symptoms with Group A. After history, physical examination cervical swab for chlamydial antigen and serology sample was taken and processed. Positive cases were followed by hysterosalpingography (HSG) and laparoscopy. Results: Out of 150 patients, 14 were positive for chlamydia in cases and 4 in the control group. Chlamydial prevalence was four times more in cases as compared to the control group, which is significant. The mean age was 27.97 + 4.520 years. Out of 14 positive cases, 8 (57.14%) had symptoms, whereas 6 (42.85%) were asymptomatic; in controls, 2 were symptomatic, whereas 2 were asymptomatic. HSG and laparoscopy were positive in chlamydia positive cases. Conclusion: It can be presumed that there is a significant role of C. trachomatis in infertility and also there is an association between chlamydia antigen detection and tubal factor infertility.