Chlamydia trachomatis infections in Kenya - sexually transmitted and ocular infections: a scoping review

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), a Gram-negative intracellular bacterium, is differentiated into three biovars associated with distinct clinical syndromes, ranging from trachoma, the world's cause of preventable blindness, to the most common sexually transmitted infection. This variability underscores CT's significant impact on public health, particularly in low-resource settings. In Kenya, where the demographic is predominantly younger, the burden of CT remains poorly understood and potentially underestimated.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of both sexually transmitted and ocular CT across various regions and populations within Kenya.

Eligibility criteria: Articles on CT population testing and laboratory detection, from 2014 to date, in English or Swahili only.

Sources of evidence: Electronic databases of PubMed and Google Scholar were used.

Design: A scoping review.

Charting methods: This study conducted a systematic scoping review, following Arksey and O'Malley's framework and adhering to PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR).

Results: This study incorporates findings from 19 original studies on sexually transmitted CT and seven on ocular CT. CT prevalence for four identified populations: sexually active females 2%-13%, men who have sex with men 1.3%-51%, pregnant women 2.5%-14.9% and other population groups 2.8%-16.4%. By contrast, studies on ocular CT, all performed in rural settings, found prevalence surpassing the WHO's 10% threshold primarily amongst children and mothers.

Conclusion: The variability in CT prevalence across different demographics and geographical regions emphasizes the impact of socio-economic, environmental and diagnostic factors on disease transmission and detection. The insights gained here can serve as a foundation for evidence-based health policies and interventions aimed at mitigating the burden of CT in Kenya.