Chlamydia trachomatis Seropositivity and Associated Risk Factors Among Women Attending A Northern Nigerian Tertiary Hospital.

BACKGROUND

Genital Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) is the commonest bacterial sexually transmitted infection globally. Acquisition of Ct infection is affected by biological and behavioural factors.

AIM: Determine the prevalence of Ct infection and identify risk factors associated with Ct infection in sexually active fertile women in Northern Nigeria.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

One hundred and fifty sexually active women presenting to the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria were studied. Socio-demographic characteristics and history of risk factors for acquisition of genital Ct were obtained from the participants using a questionnaire. Their sera were tested for the presence of Ct immunoglobulin G using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay.

RESULTS

The mean ages ± standard deviation of seropositive and seronegative women were 29.1 ± 7.3 years and 28.9 (SD 6.7) years respectively (P = 0.438). The prevalence of Ct infection was 6.7% (10/150). Occupation was associated with Ct seropositivity (P = 0.02). Number of sexual partners, age at coitarche; duration of sexual exposure and previous history suggestive of sexually transmitted infection were not associated with Ct seropositivity (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

A low prevalence of Ct was found among fertile women. Lack of regular source of personal income was associated with Ct infection but the sexual behavioural factors studied were not.