Prevalence of Genital Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection among Gynaecologic Clinic Attendees in Jos, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common cause of sexually transmitted venereal infection in the world. There is little information about the prevalence of C trachomatis in Jos, Nigeria. Objectives: The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of C trachomatis infection in women attending the gynaecology clinic of the Plateau State Specialist Hospital and to assessthe variables associated with the infection. Methods: A questionnaire was administered, followed by collection of endocervical swabs from patients who gave their consents using sterile plastic-shaft Dacron swabs. Collected samples were analyzed using Chlamydia Rapid Test Device- Swab/Urine (INTERCHEMICAL LTD. CHINA). Results: Samples were collected from a total of 164 women, aged between 14 and 45 years. Ninety two (56.1% of total sample) tested positive for C trachomatis. The prevalence was slightly higher in patients within the age group 25-29 (17.68%) than in the age group 20-24 (15.24%). Both age groups 15-19 and 30-34 had a prevalence of 7.93% each. The age groups 35-39, 40-44, 45-49 and <15 had prevalence of 3.66%, 3.05%, 0.16%, and 0.00% respectively. Married women were related to a higher percentage of infection than single women: 38.41% versus 17.07%. Age of onset of sexual activity played a role in infection with C trachomatis. Women who started having sex earlier in life had a higher prevalence. History of other sexually transmitted diseases was found to be significantly associated with genital C trachomatis infection (41.46%) (P<0.05). Fourteen percent of the women had history of infertility, 26.22% spontaneous abortion, 22.12% pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and 42.68% had more than one sexual partner (past/present). Conclusion: A 56.1% prevalence of C trachomatis genital infection was found. Awareness campaigns and Chlamydia screening and monitoring activities should be initiated and supported by the government.