The value of chlamydial antibody level for predicting tubal blockage among women undergoing hysterosalpingography in Lagos, Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among Nigerian women undergoing hysterosalpingography (HSG) and to identify any correlation between chlamydial antibody levels and a diagnosis of tubal disease.

METHODS

A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to June 30, 2013, among women scheduled to undergo HSG in the radiology department of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Endocervical swabs and serum samples were collected to assess the levels of chlamydial antigen and antibody, respectively.

RESULTS

Among 150 participants, 83 (55.3%) had bilateral tubal patency and 67 (44.7%) had tubal disease. Overall, 53 (35.3%) women had positive test results for chlamydial antibodies; however, none of the participants tested positive for chlamydial antigen. Women with tubal disease were more likely to test positive for chlamydial antibodies (n=44 [65.7%]) than were those whose test results were negative (n=9 [10.8%]; P<0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of chlamydial antibody testing to predict tubal disease diagnosed by HSG were 66% and 89%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The presence of chlamydial antibodies was quantitatively related to the likelihood of HSG-diagnosed tubal disease.