The frequency of gonorrheal and chlamydial infections in Zanjanian women in 2013-2014

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted diseases in women. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of gonorrheal and chlamydial infections and determination of related risk factors in married women with vaginal discharge attending gynecological outpatient department (OPD) in Zanjan in 2013-2014. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross sectional study, 100 married women aged 18-49 years with vaginal discharge were evaluated for signs and symptoms of gonococcal and chlamydial infections. Then cervical discharge samples and blood samples were collected from each subject for the detection of Nisseria gonorrhea and Chlamydia trachomatis by bacterial culture and serological tests, respectively. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Nisseria gonorrhoeae were 16% and 4%, respectively. There was no significant relationship between the contraception methods, previous history of vaginal infections, previous history of urinary tract infections, number of coitus per week and self-reported symptoms (itching, burning, abdominal pain) with prevalence of Nisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. CONCLUSION: According to our results, the prevalence of gonococci infection in Zanjan was remarkable and relatively was higher than other parts of Iran, therefore it is necessary to put emphasis on education and further preventive and therapeutic programs.