Detection of chlamydia trachomatis infection among the pregnant women attending a tertiary care hospital in Kerala - South India by polymerase chain reaction.

BACKGROUND

Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infection and may influence pregnancy outcome.

AIMS AND

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to assess Chlamydial infection during pregnancy by PCR.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Study group consists of patients who are attending the antenatal clinics. Endocervical swabs were collected from 300 patients.

RESULTS

Off the 300 samples tested, 29 were positive as per PCR which used CT F : 5' CGT GTC GGC AAT CCT GCT GAT 3' and CT R : 5' GTC GAT AAC ATA GTC ACG ATA GTC 3'as the primers.

CONCLUSION

This suggests there is a prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in our population which is 10%. Hence, it should be noted as a significant public health problem especially among sexually active young women of child bearing age. Timely detection and prompt treatment of Chlamydial infection during pregnancy can eliminate its adverse outcomes.