Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae genital infections in a publicly funded pregnancy termination clinic: empiric vs. indicated treatment?

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of lower genital tract infections with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae among women seeking first-trimester pregnancy termination in a same-day abortion clinic in a public hospital.

STUDY

DESIGN

We reviewed CT and N. gonorrhoeae test results of 1974 women who underwent a first-trimester abortion for a period of 6 months between January 1, 2006, and June 30, 2006, at a large public hospital.

RESULTS

During our study period, 225 (11.4%) women tested positive for chlamydia infection and 51 (2.6%) women tested positive for gonorrhea using probe technology. Twenty-two (1.2%) women tested positive for both.

CONCLUSION

We found a comparatively high prevalence rate of chlamydia-positive patients (11.4%) in our publicly funded pregnancy termination clinic. Because of infrequent follow-up in this patient population, we suggest screening and providing the epidemiologic treatment for CT genital infection for all women undergoing a same-day abortion procedure. It may prove cost-effective. Our prevalence rate of gonorrhea was lower (2.6%). The value of providing epidemiologic treatment for gonorrhea to all patients undergoing a same-day abortion procedure should be reexamined in controlled trials.