Reduced prevalence of cervical Chlamydia infection among women requesting termination.

BACKGROUND

The prevalence and pattern of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among women requesting induced abortion in the three year period 1992-95 was evaluated and compared to the results of a previous study in 1982-84, where the prevalence of chlamydial infection had been 13.5%.

METHODS

A total of 1995 women requested termination, 1855 (93%) of whom were tested for Chlamydia and were included in the study. Two types of tests for chlamydial infection, ELISA and PCR, were used in two consecutive periods. In addition cultures for gonorrhea were done in each case. Information on age, marital status, parity, gestational age and the results of chlamydia and gonorrhea tests of the women and sexual partners were recorded.

RESULTS

Chlamydia trachomatis positive women were 149 (8.0%), a significant reduction from the previous 1982-84 study (p<0.001). Women with positive tests were significantly younger (80% < or = 25 years of age; p<0.001) and more frequently single (86.6%; p<0.001), than those with negative tests, as in the previous period. Of the partners, 80.4% were contacted, and 52.1% presented for investigation. Of those tested 42.1% were Chlamydia positive. Four women (0.2%) had Neisseria gonorrhea but none of the partners.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis is receding among women coming for termination of pregnancy. As treatment before or at operation has repeatedly been shown to be of benefit and since the prevalence is still considerable, continued screening of these women is justified.