Aftermath of Chlamydia Trachomatis – The Tip of an Iceberg in Female Reproductive Health

OBJECTIVE: The magnitude of infertile couples worldwide was found to be 60–80 million. Genital infection due to Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) which may present as PID, leading to ectopic pregnancy, infertility or other adverse health outcomes. This study was done to assess the prevalence of C. trachomatis infections among female patients with infertility using real time PCR (RT-PCR) and to compare the findings of molecular testing with hysterosalpingography (HSG) and ultrasonography (USG). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 50 endocervical swabs were collected from women of reproductive age group attending infertility clinic and stored at −80 ºC. DNA extraction was done with Helini bacterial mini spin kit and tested for C. trachomatis DNA by RT-PCR kit. RESULTS: Of the 50 patients, 43 (86%) had primary infertility, and 7 (14%) had secondary infertility. Three (6%) were positive for C. trachomatis by RT-PCR. Two had primary infertility and one had secondary infertility. CONCLUSION: Routine screening of C. trachomatis even in high-risk populations is not available in developing countries like India. The World Health Organization recommends syndromic approach for case management. Hence, a cost-effective, highly sensitive and specific test is the pressing priority in resource poor settings.