PREVALENCE OF CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS INFECTION AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE GROUP ATTENDING THE GENERAL OUT PATIENT CLINIC (GOPC), ABUTH, ZARIA

Abstract

Genital chlamydial infection in women is not routinely diagnosed in most
hospitals within developing countries despite its public health significance.
This is probably as a result of lack of skills and the high cost of technology
necessary for the diagnosis. These, and the fact that about 80% of women
infected with the organism may not experience any significant symptom, pose
the biggest challenge to the diagnosis and control of chlamydial genital
infection. Men, women and infants may be affected but women bear an
inordinate burden because of their increased risk for adverse reproductive
consequences.
This cross-sectional study was carried out between February and July 2013, to
determine the prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in 365
women of reproductive age group attending the GOPC, ABUTH, Shika-Zaria.
Endocervical swabs samples were collected from the enrolled subjects and
analyzed using a glycogen assay kit and PCR. A structured questionnaire was
also administered to obtain pertinent data.
Of the 365 patients studied, genital Chlamydia trachomatis was found to be
prevalent in 26%. Statistical significant factors associated with infection
included low educational status, early age at sexual debut and marriage (≤
17years), multiple sex partners and lack of use of condoms during sexual
intercourse. Sensitivity and specificity of the glycogen assay (using the PCR as
standard) was 86.8% and 40% respectively.

The prevalence obtained in this study was high; there is therefore, the need for
increased awareness in the community about genital chlamydial infections,
provision of effective screening programmes and multiple diagnostic centers for
prevention, early detection and treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis infection,
thereby reducing the morbidity and subsequent complications associated with
C. trachomatis infection especially in women.

PREVALENCE OF CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS INFECTION AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE GROUP ATTENDING THE GENERAL OUT PATIENT CLINIC (GOPC), ABUTH, ZARIA