The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection by Nucleic Acid Amplification test in women of reproductive age group under treatment for infertility

Background: In India, the prevalence of Chlamydia Trachomatis (CT) studies in different groups are focused on high-risk populations - HIV-positive women and female sex workers - and have shown a variable prevalence rate ranging from 1.1 to 45%. One concern about comparing these studies is that the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test is estimated to be only 65-70% sensitive. The data of CT prevalence among women undergoing treatment for infertility, using more sensitive methods, such as Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT), are sparse. The disease is easily treatable, and knowledge of prevalence will provide the burden of disease on fertility.

Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based observational study was carried out on 169 patients attending an infertility clinic at assisted reproductive technology (ART) center or gynecology outpatient department (OPD) of a tertiary care hospital.

Results: The overall prevalence was 8.87% with the highest prevalence (53.84%) among the women having vaginal discharge. The prevalence in patients with secondary infertility (10.81%) was higher than in those with primary infertility (7.36%).

Conclusion: It is recommended that patients attending gynecological OPD in low resource setting to be treated for Chlamydia empirically and if facilities permit then they should undergo NAAT for CT detection. Screening programs are warranted among Indian women of child bearing age to prevent complications of Chlamydia infection like tubal blockage and dyspareunia.