[Search of Chlamydia trachomatis in 159 women from private consultation].

BACKGROUND

Chlamydia trachomatis infection is very common and is associated with recurring cervicovaginitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, abortion and ectopic pregnancy. It may cause sterility.

OBJECTIVE

To determine Chlamydia trachomatis frequency at outpatient consultation.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

One hundred fifty-nine patients were retrospectively evaluated at the gynecology consultation, to whom an endocervical specimen was taken with a cotton swab to corroborate the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis immunofluorescent antibodies.

RESULTS

Forty-nine out of 159 cases (28.9%) were positive to Chlamydia trachomatis. After dividing by subgroups, 26 out of 100 women with cervicovaginitis were positive (26%). Eleven out of 41 cases with pelvic inflammatory disease were positive (26.8%). In 14 patients with recent abortion, 7 were positive (50%) and 2 out of 4 with ectopic pregnancy were positive (50%).

CONCLUSIONS

Chlamydia trachomatis detection in patients with cervicovaginitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and abortion will allow an appropriate treatment to avoid progressive damage and its sequelae to the female genital tract, reproductive and economic levels.