Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in the pregnant cervix.

To determine the prevalence of infection and colonization with Chlamydia trachomatis in pregnant women of low socioeconomic status, 363 women (age range 15 to 48 years; median age 24) were screened. Cultures for C trachomatis were obtained prospectively. Chlamydia trachomatis was recovered from 16.8% of the patients. The incidence of infection ranged from 18.4% in the group age 15 to 19 through 13% in the group age 30 to 39, to 0% in the 40 and older group. Thus, in the population studies, C trachomatis was found more commonly in the younger age groups. The high isolation rates seen suggest that routine screening and treatment may be warranted to prevent spread of C trachomatis infections to sexual partners and neonates.