Assessing the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis genome in pregnant women with spontaneous abortion using polymerase chain reaction method in Yasuj: First report from Southwest of Iran

CONTEXT: Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most prevalent factors of sexually transmitted diseases worldwide, which causes abortion, premature rupture of membrane, uterine cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory diseases, and ectopic pregnancy. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of C. trachomatis genome in pregnant women with abortion in Yasuj, Iran. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This is a descriptive–analytical study in Shahid Mofateh Gyneco-obstetrics clinic and Emam sajjad Hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Specimens of cervix, urine, placenta, and blood of 107 pregnant women were simultaneously collected at maternity ward and operation room and were stored for molecular tests. The molecular tests were performed, and the results were analyzed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Analysis was performed using SPSS software 9.1 (IBM, Illinois, Chicago, USA) with descriptive–analytical statistics. RESULTS: Of 107 women, 15 had polymerase chain reaction-positive tests for C. trachomatis. The age of the studied individuals was 15–38 years with mean age of 26.6 years. The highest infection rates were in the age group of 21–25 years (7.47%), and the lowest frequency was in the age group of 36–40 years. A significant difference was noted between the number of first abortions in the case and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that C. trachomatis as a sexually transmitted agent causes severe complications such as abortion; thus, it is important to screen pregnant and sexually active women who are craving to carry a baby.