Urogenital Tract Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis among Women Attended at Different Units in a Referral Hospital in Spain

Aims: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of Chlamydia trachomatis infections in a group of women visiting different Units in a referral Hospital from Spain

Study Design: This was a hospital retrospective and descriptive study for the presence of C. trachomatis in endocervical, vaginal and urine swabs obtained from consecutive sexually active women attendees at different Units. Also their medical records were reviewed. Retrospective ethical approval was granted by the Ethical Committee of Clinical Investigation of Principality of Asturias.

Place and Duration of Study: Units of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Infertility of Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, between January 2007 to December 2011.

Methodology: We included 1997 symptomatic and asymptomatic unselected women (mean age 29.1 range 18 to 45 years) who were evaluated for urogenital chlamydial infection.

Results: The overall prevalence of C. trachomatis was 6.3%. The C. trachomatis infection had the highest prevalence among the age group below 25 years of age (n=30, 7.5%). Genotypes E, G and D constitute 89.4% of the genotyped strains. Infections with genotypes G and F were more often (n=31, 42%) associated with clinical manifestations that suggest cervical infection and genotype E was observed more frequently (n=17, 85%) in asymptomatic women.

Conclusions: In our study, similar prevalence rates between both symptomatic and asymptomatic women, under 25 years, were found. Self-collected vaginal swabs are an appropriate alternative for routine diagnosis of C. trachomatis infection. The findings of this work highlighted the need for a possible Chlamydia screening program, offered especially in younger women. Delays in seeking a diagnosis and treatment among asymptomatic females can result in increased transmission of this bacterium and its serious consequences for women reproductive health.