Prevalence of Genital Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection among Gynaecologic Clinic Attendees in Jos, Nigeria

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common cause of sexually transmitted venereal infection in the world. There is little information about the prevalence of C trachomatis in Jos, Nigeria. The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of C trachomatis infection in women attending the gynaecology clinic of the Plateau State Specialist Hospital and to assess the variables associated with the infection. A questionnaire was administered, followed by collection of endocervical swabs from patients who gave their consents using sterile plastic-shaft Dacron swabs. Collected samples were analyzed using Chlamydia Rapid Test Device- Swab/Urine (INTERCHEMICAL LTD. CHINA). Samples were collected from a total of 164 women, aged between 14 and 45 years. Ninety two (56.1% of total sample) tested positive for C trachomatis. The prevalence was slightly higher in patients within the age group 25-29 (17.68%) than in the age group 20-24 (15.24%). Both age groups 15-19 and 30-34 had a prevalence of 7.93% each. The age groups 35-39, 40-44, 45-49 and <15 had prevalence of 3.66%, 3.05%, 0.16%, and 0.00% respectively. Married women were related to a higher percentage of infection than single women: 38.41% versus 17.07%. Age of onset of sexual activity played a role in infection with C trachomatis. Women who started having sex earlier in life had a higher prevalence. History of other sexually transmitted diseases was found to be significantly associated with genital C trachomatis infection (41.46%) (P<0.05). Fourteen percent of the women had history of infertility, 26.22% spontaneous abortion, 22.12% pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and 42.68% had more than one sexual partner (past/present). A 56.1% prevalence of C trachomatis genital infection was found. Awareness campaigns and Chlamydia screening and monitoring activities should be initiated and supported by the government.