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.