Prevalence Of Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection Research Articles

Prevalence of chlamydia in young adulthood and association with life course socioeconomic position: birth cohort study.

BackgroundFew estimates are available of chlamydia prevalence in the general population. Existing studies have limited scope to explore potential selection bias or associations with socioeconomic position.MethodsWe examined the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection and associations with life-course socioeconomic position in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children in England. Chlamydia infection was measured through nucleic acid amplification test of urine specimens.Results4864 (51%) of those invited attended the clinic (mean age 17.8; SD 0.37 years). (60%) provided a urine specimen. Prevalence was 1.0% (95% CI 0.6 to 1.6) among participants reporting sexual activity. Risk of infection was strongly associated with life course social disadvantage and with recent sexual behaviour. After adjustment for other measures of disadvantage and for sexual behaviour the strongest risk factors for infection were lower maternal educational attainment (OR 9.1 (1.1, 76.7)) and lower participant educational attainment at age 11 (OR 5.0 (1.5, 16.5)). Both clinic attendance and agreement to test were lower amongst the disadvantaged. Adjustment for selective participation based on detailed information on non-participants approximately doubled prevalence estimates. Prevalence was higher in sexually active women (1.4% (0.7 to 2.4) than men (0.5% (0.1 to 1.3)).ConclusionsChlamydia prevalence in this general population sample was low even after adjustment for selective participation in testing. These estimates of prevalence and patterns of association with socioeconomic position may both reflect recent screening efforts. Prevalence was higher amongst the disadvantaged who were also less likely to engage in testing. Our results reveal the importance of monitoring and addressing inequalities in screening programme participation and outcomes.

Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection: factors associated with infertility in women treated at a human reproduction public service

To evaluate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in women undergoing assisted reproduction in a public reference service in the midwestern region of Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 340 women aged from 20 to 47 years with a history of infertility, undergoing assisted reproduction techniques. Infections with Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae identified in urine specimens by PCR, and the profile of infertility were analyzed. We used the χ(2) test or Fisher's exact test to evaluate the association between infection and variables. The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection was 10.9%, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae co-infection was observed in 2 cases. Women infected with Chlamydia trachomatis had more than 10 years of infertility (54.1%; p<0.0001). The tubal factor was the main cause in infected cases (56.8%; p=0.047). Tubal occlusion was found in 67.6% of cases with positive infection (p=0.004). There was an association of tubal obstruction with infection by Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, reinforcing the need for effective strategies for an early detection of sexually transmitted diseases, especially in asymptomatic women of childbearing age.

Screening for Chlamydia infection in a sexually transmitted infection clinic: a missed opportunity?

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) reported in Europe. We aim to evaluate the overall prevalence of CT infection and the rate of asymptomatic infection in an STI clinic over a 5-year period. We will also discuss screening strategies with reference to attendees diagnosed with an STI and their sexual partners, and attendees with a non-infectious genital dermatosis. Clinical and laboratory data for all attendees at a university hospital STI clinic over a 5-year period were reviewed. Diagnosis of CT infection was made upon polymerase chain reaction (PCR) performed in first-void urine. The overall prevalence of CT infection was 4.0% (53/1310); the rate of asymptomatic infection was 84.9% (45/53). The prevalence of CT infection among attendees with an STI diagnosis and their sexual partners was 5.2% (50/963), whereas that among attendees with a non-infectious genital dermatosis was 0.9% (3/347; P<0.001). Infected attendees were younger than attendees without CT infection (median age: 31years vs. 40years; P<0.001). In 39.5% (17/43) of CT-infected attendees, it was possible to notify a sexual partner; CT infection was subsequently diagnosed in 58.8% (10/17) of partners. Asymptomatic CT infection had a representative frequency, which was more pronounced among young attendees with an STI diagnosis and their sexual partners, to whom screening should be offered. Issues of age limits for screening and whether screening should be directed to males in non-STI clinic settings should be carefully assessed.

Estimating Community Prevalence of Ocular Chlamydia trachomatis Infection using Pooled Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing

Purpose: Trachoma is the leading cause of blindness from infection worldwide. Treatment programs require accurate Chlamydia trachomatis infection prevalence rates to guide decision making. The use of clinical examination is by far the most common way to monitor activity, but may yield overestimates of infection prevalence. Laboratory testing on individual specimens such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is highly sensitive and specific, but prohibitively expensive. Here we demonstrate simulations of pooled PCR results may estimate infection prevalence of an entire community yielding substantial cost savings if pool size is chosen correctly.Methods: Community infection prevalence was estimated using maximum likelihood estimation with data collected from a previously described study. Simulations for communities were performed to determine the accuracy of prevalence estimation using pooled results. The root mean squared error was then used to determine an acceptable inaccuracy in estimates allowing for a pooling strategy to be formed.Results: Results from simulations and empirical data suggest optimum pooling strategies to estimate community infection prevalence while keeping the root mean squared error of the estimate below 2%. Reduction of PCR testing which permits cost savings is shown to be between 5 and 80% given a community infection prevalence below 60%.Conclusions: Pooling specimens for PCR testing often provides enough data to accurately estimate infection prevalence at the community level.

Simple, non-invasive and cost-effective method for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis infection (a silent, sexually transmitted pathogen that can cause infertility)

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis ( C. trachomatis ), an obligate intra-cellular bacterial pathogen has been recognized as one of the major cause of sexually transmitted infections throughout the world. Being asymptomatic, these infections have severe ramifications for the reproductive health of women leading to the long term complications like infertility. Screening women for C. trachomatis is highly desirable in developing countries. Aims: To determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in infertile women attending In vitro fertility (IVF) centers. Also to highlight the importance of non-invasive serological diagnostic tool for screening infertile women to rule out Chlamydia as one the causes of infertility. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out in the Microbiology section of Central Laboratory of a tertiary care hospital from Sep. 2012 to August 2013. Serum samples from 128 suspected women patients were diagnosed by C. trachomatis IgG ELISA (Calbiotech). Positive and borderline positive samples were retested after one month of initial testing by the same method. Results: Out of 128 serum samples tested, six (4.68%) samples were found to be positive for C.trachomatis IgG while seven (5.46%) samples were borderline positive. Paired sera-analysis finally confirmed 8.59% sero-positivity. Conclusion: IgG antibody detection is an effective and non-invasive tool for the detection of Chlamydia and more viable option than other techniques in India. Screening of women with secondary infection for C. trachomatis is strongly recommended to allow early therapeutic interventions. Since, a significant proportion of women expressed the evidence of exposure to C.trachomatis in our study; this cannot be ignored as one of the probable cause of infertility in women.

Prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection among young men and women in Spain

BackgroundThere are no accurate data regarding the real prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in Spain. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of C. trachomatis infections and the risk factors for acquiring them among 1,048 young (15–24 years old) inhabitants of Laviana.MethodsThe study was completed in the period between 1st November 2010 and 31st December 2011. We conducted a capture strategy in the whole population, instead of only in a sample group, with a capture conducted in schools, in the local health centre, by post and by phone as a last resort. The design was based on the model used by Shafer to increase screening rates. C. trachomatis was identified by RT-PCR in urine samples.ResultsA total of 487 sexually active people underwent the test, which implies a response rate of 59.8% of the sexually active people (target population). The prevalence was 4.1% (CI 95%: 3.1-5.8): women: 4% ( CI 95%; 2.8-6.4) and men: 4.3% (CI 95%: 2.9-7.2). The circulating genotype was the E genotype. There was an increase in the risk of C. trachomatis infection when barrier contraceptives were not routinely used OR: 4.76 (CI 95%:1.30-17.36) p<0.05.ConclusionsIn our study the prevalence in women resembles those found in other countries in Europe and the prevalence in men is similar to that in women. Screening for C. trachomatis infection in women would be cost-effective in Spain given the prevalence of C. trachomatis measured by this study. The use of a condom is the best preventative measure for avoiding STIs in sexually active people.

Risk factors for Chlamydia trachomatis infection in adolescents: results from a representative population-based survey in Germany, 2003–2006

Infections with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) can lead to severe sequelae; however, they are not notifiable in Germany. We tested urine samples from participants of KiGGS (German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents) for CT infections and linked the results to demographic and behavioural data from 1,925 participants (girls aged 15-17 years and boys aged 16-17 years) to determine a representative prevalence of CT infection in adolescents in Germany and to assess associated risk factors. Prevalence of CT infection was 2.2% (95% CI: 1.4-3.5) in girls and 0.2% (95% CI: 0.1-0.7) in boys. CT infection in girls was associated with higher use of alcohol, marijuana and cigarettes, lower social status, oral contraceptive use, pregnancy, repeated lower abdominal pain and higher rates of doctors' consultations within the preceding three months and consultation of gynaecologists within the last 12 months. In multiple logistic regression, we identified two predictors for CT infection: marijuana consumption often or several times within the last 12 months (F(1,164)=7.56; p<0.05) and general health status less than 'very good' (F(1,164)=3.83; p=0.052). Given our findings, we recommend enhancing sex education before sexual debut and promoting safe sex practices regardless of the contraceptive method used. Well-informed consumption of alcohol should be promoted, the risky behaviour of people intoxicated through consumption of marijuana highlighted and doctors' awareness of CT screening enhanced.

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in the general population of women in Qatar

ObjectivesThe Arabian Gulf region has limited epidemiological data related to sexually transmitted infections. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among general population...

Chlamydia trachomatis infection in a sample of northern Brazilian pregnant women: prevalence and prenatal importance

There are limited data regarding prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among northern Brazilian pregnant women. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of chlamydial infection among pregnant women in their third trimester and to determine the repercussion of this infection on their offspring. MethodsIn the first phase of this study 100 pregnant women receiving prenatal care in a local public university hospital were examined to assess the prevalence of genital C. trachomatis infection by polymerase chain reaction technique. In the second phase, 88 pregnant women were prospectively evaluated for premature rupture of membranes, puerperal consequences associated with chlamydial infection, and neonates were checked for low-birth weight. ResultsThe prevalence rate of chlamydial infection was 11%, and 72.7% of the positive participants were predominantly less than 30 years of age (p=0.1319). A total of 36.4% of the participants had premature rupture of membranes (p=0.9998). Neither low-birth weight infants nor preterm delivery were observed. A cohort of 16 newborn babies were followed-up up to 60 days of life to ascertain outcome: 50% had respiratory symptoms. Neonates born to infected mothers had a higher risk to develop respiratory symptoms in the first 60 days of life. ConclusionThe scarcity of data about the effects of chlamydial infection on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes justified this study. Diagnosing and treating chlamydial infection during the third trimester of pregnancy may prevent neonate infection. Therefore, preventive screening should be seen as a priority for early detection of asymptomatic C. trachomatis infection as part of local public health strategies.

P3.331 Prevalence of Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection and Associated Factors in Brazilian Pregnant Women: Preliminary Results of a Population-Based Study

Backgroundgenital infections such as Chlamydia trachomatis are a serious public health problem worldwide and are related with several negative outcomes in the pregnancy as preterm birth. In Brazil there is...

P3.118 High Rates of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Infection in Anal and Pharyngeal Sites in Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) and Transgender Women (TW) in Lima, Peru

BackgroundThe prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) in low and middle income countries is poorly understood. As...

P3.015 Estimating the Population Prevalence of Chlamydia in Europe: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundAccurate information about the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infections is needed to assess prevention and control measures at national and regional level.MethodsSystematic review up to August 2012 of population-based cross-sectional...

P3.025 Internet Testing For Chlamydia Trachomatis in France in 2012

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection spreads in Europe and in USA, and tendencies analysis shows an increase in the epidemic since last 10 years. In France, in 2006, a national survey...

Screening for Chlamydia trachomatis infection among infertile women in Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundChlamydia trachomatis infection is a worldwide-distributed sexually transmitted infection that may lead to infertility.ObjectivesThis study aims to report the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among infertile women in Saudi Arabia.Patients and methodsA community-based study carried out at the obstetrics and gynecology clinic at Jazan General Hospital, Saudi Arabia. The study group included 640 Saudi infertile women who were aged between 18 and 40 years and who attended the gynecology clinic for infertility examination throughout 1 year of study (from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012). The randomized control group included 100 Saudi fertile women who attended the obstetrics clinic for routine antenatal care. All recruited women were screened for chlamydia infection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of serum-specific antibodies and then retested by the McCoy cell culture technique.ResultsThe prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among infertile women was high, at 15.0%. The rate of chlamydia infection detected by ELISA was 9.84%, and it was 12.03% by the culture method (P = 0.2443).ConclusionThe high prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among Saudi infertile women demands a national screening program for early detection among infertile couples. ELISA is available as a simple screening test alternative to the culture method.

Using a Nonparametric Multilevel Latent Markov Model to Evaluate Diagnostics for Trachoma

In disease control or elimination programs, diagnostics are essential for assessing the impact of interventions, refining treatment strategies, and minimizing the waste of scarce resources. Although high-performance tests are desirable, increased accuracy is frequently accompanied by a requirement for more elaborate infrastructure, which is often not feasible in the developing world. These challenges are pertinent to mapping, impact monitoring, and surveillance in trachoma elimination programs. To help inform rational design of diagnostics for trachoma elimination, we outline a nonparametric multilevel latent Markov modeling approach and apply it to 2 longitudinal cohort studies of trachoma-endemic communities in Tanzania (2000–2002) and The Gambia (2001–2002) to provide simultaneous inferences about the true population prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection and disease and the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of 3 diagnostic tests for C. trachomatis infection. Estimates were obtained by using data collected before and after mass azithromycin administration. Such estimates are particularly important for trachoma because of the absence of a true “gold standard” diagnostic test for C. trachomatis. Estimated transition probabilities provide useful insights into key epidemiologic questions about the persistence of disease and the clearance of infection as well as the required frequency of surveillance in the postelimination setting.

The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among infertile males and its association with abnormal semen characteristics in Delta State, Nigeria.

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common cause of sexually transmitted diseases that is not of viral origin and there is accumulating evidence of a significant role played by this pathogen in causing male factor infertility. This study thus aimed to determine the prevalence of C. trachomatis among infertile males and to evaluate their association with fertility status and abnormal semen characteristics. This study included 215 infertile male subjects who visited a major fertility clinic in Warri, Delta state, Nigeria. Forty apparently healthy males without complaints of infertility were enrolled as controls. Blood samples were collected from patients aseptically using venous puncture and semen samples were obtained after masturbation. C. trachomatis IgG antibodies were assayed for in blood specimens using the Dot rapid Assay Kit flow through Ct cassette and positive samples were further screened with an enzyme immunoassay technique. Semen samples were analyzed following World Health Organization guidelines. Forty-two (19.5%) out of 215 infertile male subjects were found sero-positive for C. trachomatis. C. trachomatis was significantly associated with male infertility when compared to controls (P<0.001). Age groups 20-29 years (43.3%) and 30-39 years (22.1%) significantly had higher prevalence of C. trachomatis (P<0.001), as compared to age groups 40-49 (7.9%) and > 50 years (3.7%). Sero-positivity for C. trachomatis antibodies was significantly associated with oligozoospermia (22.5%) and azospermia (61.5%) than with teratozoospermia (7.3%) and asthenozoospermia (6.3%) (P<0.001). The prevalence of C. trachomatis among infertile males was high; there was an association between C. trachomatis infection and poor semen characteristics and infertility. There is need for routine screening for the pathogen in males with complaints of infertility so as to rule out this potentially correctable/reversible cause of infertility.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Chlamydia trachomatis Infection Among Young Thai Men in 2008–2009

Asymptomatic Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection and other sexually transmitted infections in men potentially contribute significantly in sustaining the spread of the infection. To describe the distribution and related sexual behaviors, we conducted a cross-sectional study among young Thai men using a (1:30) systematic sampling of all newly inducted military conscripts in Thailand. In November 2008 and May 2009, participants' urine and serum samples were tested for CT and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction technique, and serologic testing for Treponema pallidum and HIV-1 was done. Information on demographic data and risk behaviors was obtained by a self-administered questionnaire. The overall prevalence rates of CT, N. gonorrhoeae, HIV-1, and syphilis infection were 7.9%, 0.9%, 0.5%, 0.05%, respectively. The risk factors for CT infection were living in the upper north region (adjusted rate ratios [95% confidence interval], 2.13 [1.39-3.26]), having had 4 or more sexual partners (2.14 [1.48-3.09]), graduation from a vocational school (1.66 [1.14-2.41]), inconsistent condom use (1.48 [1.05-2.08]), unemployment (1.82 [1.06-3.12]), and age 21 years or younger (1.63 [1.01-2.63]). The prevalence of CT infection among young male military conscripts was high, especially among men from upper northern Thailand. Multiple sexual partners, graduation from a vocational school, inconsistent condom use, unemployment before the military induction, and younger age were independently associated with the CT infection among young Thai men. These data will be useful to develop more effective public health interventions to prevent, detect, and treat sexually transmitted infections among young men in Thailand.

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infections in young women attending to Family Planning Clinics of Turin

Background. Chlamydia trachomatis (C.t.) is one of the most common STD spread in Europe and in developed Countries. According to international studies, the highest prevalence is observed among asymptomatic, sexually active, young women, 15-24 aged. Objectives. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for genital infection with C.t. in young women under 25 aged attending to family planning clinics of Turin to active screening programs to be cost-effective in reducing the spread of C.t. infection. Study design. All the unrolled women between June 2008-December 2010, were tested for C.t. infection, using Real time PCR, on a vaginal specimen. A kit and a socio-demographic, behavioral and clinical-gynaecological questionnaire were provided to the participating clinics. Results. The study included 1831 women, of whom 31% 19 aged. The prevalence was 7.3% and was significantly associated being non Italian, having had more lifetime sexual partners and more than 1 partner in the previous six months. Conclusion. Our results are representative of general young female population of Turin. Data are comparable with those of other international studies. The high rate of infection provides information useful to plan health care interventions, like to extend the C.t. free test, not only to young women attending to STD centers but also to those one attending to family planning clinics and to promote prevention interventions to sensitize, not only youth population, on the spread of C.t. and other STD, but also family doctors and gynaecologists in order to reduce the diffusion of infections and relate complications.

Population based study of genital Chlamydia trachomatis prevalence and associated factors in Norway: A cross sectional study

BackgroundThe number of diagnosed cases of Chlamydia trachomatis infection has been increasing in the past years in Norway although the testing rate has been relatively stable. The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis in young men and women in one county in Norway and determine associated factors in order to better target preventive measures.MethodsWe mailed to a random sample of 10 000 persons aged 18–25 in Rogaland county a mail-back urine sample kit and a self-administered questionnaire with questions on socio-demographic details, health seeking behaviour and symptoms of and history of sexually transmitted diseases. Associations between current Clamydia trachomatis infection and the above mentioned factors were studied by multiple logistic regression.ResultsThe response rate among women was 18.9% (930/4923) and 11.9% (605/5077) among men. The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection was 5.8% (95% CI 4.5-6.8) among women and 5.1% (95% CI 3.8-6.8) among men. For men a greater number of partners during the last year (p for trend < 0.001), and living in a municipality without a local youth clinic increased the odds of infection (OR 8.6, 95% CI 2.2-33.9). For women a greater number of partners during the last year (p < 0.001) and not having consulted a family doctor for STIs (OR 2.1 95% CI 1.1-4.2) were positively associated with infection while not having a previous Chlamydia trachomatis diagnosis decreased the odds of having this infection (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2-0.7).ConclusionOur results indicate the importance of having a visible youth clinic in each municipality. It also suggests targeting women who have had a previous Chlamydia trachomatis infection diagnosed before.

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among women attending infertility clinic by PCR and ELISA in Rwanda

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular bacterium recognized as one of the major causes of sexually transmissible human bacterial infection throughout the world. Since most infected individuals are either asymptomatic or have mild, nonspecific symptoms, C. trachomatis infection poses a problem for health control programs. In contrast to industrialized countries, little is known about the prevalence of genital C. trachomatis infections in resource-poor countries including Rwanda. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of C. trachomatis in women attending an infertility clinic in Rwanda. Methods: Serum and vaginal swab specimens of 303 women presenting with infertility to the infertility clinic of the Kigali University Teaching Hospital, and 312 fertile controls who recently delivered were investigated. Two commercial species-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to determine serum IgG and IgA antibodies to C. trachomatis and vaginal swabs specimens were tested by PCR. Results: The rates of C. Trachomatis infection as detected by PCR did not differ significantly between fertile and infertile group (10/308, 3.8%;12/312, 3.3% respectively; p =0.5). The patients with C. trachomatis infection were more likely to be aged 21-25 years (P = 0,012) and to have pruritis. (p = 0.05). The prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was higher in the women with vaginal discharge (9.1%) compared to women with other symptoms (3.3%), but this did not reach statistically significance (p=0.08). The overall prevalence of IgG antibodies was 18.8% and 18.3: 18.5% (18.8% in fertile women versus 18.3% in control) with ANILabsystems and 18.7% (17.3% versus 19.9%) with Vircell. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first reports on the prevalence of Chlamydia infection in women from Rwanda, East Africa. The prevalence of C. trachomatis in our study population in Rwanda appears to be low as demonstrated by molecular and serologicalmarkers.Women aged less than 25 years are more likely to have genital infection with C. trachomatis.