Detection of Chlamydia Trachomatis Among Sexually Active Adults in Aba Metropolis, Abia State

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis infection affects over 131 million people annually. It is one of the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infections. This study was aimed at the detection of the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis amongst sexually active adults in Aba metropolis, Abia state, to determine the relationship between the subject’s number of sex partners and the infection prevalence and also to identify the age group and gender that is more prone to this infection.

Method: Self-collected vaginal and urethral swab samples were obtained from one hundred participants (50 females and 50 males respectively) at Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Hospital, Aba, Abia State and screened for Chlamydia trachomatis antigen using the Solid Chlamydia Rapid Test Kit (USA).

Results: Out of the 100 subjects screened, 3 female subjects (3.0 %) were positive for Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies. The age group prevalence was as follows; 16-20 years (nil), 21-25 years (3.0%), 26-30 years (nil), 31-35 years (nil). It was observed that participants with 2 and 3 sexual partners recorded a prevalence of 2.0 % and 1.0 % respectively. Thus, revealing the dependent relationship between number of sex partners and chlamydia infections. This study also demonstrated that educational status is also a factor dependent on Chlamydia trachomatis mode of infection as 2 positive cases (2.0 %) from subjects who are O-level certificate holders and 1 positive case (1.0 %) from subjects who are graduates were obtained.

Conclusion: Regular screening for Chlamydial trachomatis is highly encouraged since asymptomatic cases are common in the population and if undiagnosed will continue to be a threat to the patient’s reproductive life with its established complication and adverse consequences.