Determination of Sero-Prevalence of Chlamydia Trachomatis in Sti Patients

Chlamydia trachomatis is the leading cause of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Chlamydial infections, if left undiagnosed and untreated, can have irreversible consequences. Infected patients act as a source of infection for their partners. The present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of genital Chlamydia and its association with bacterial flora in STI patients attending STI clinics, to identify C. Trachomatis Antigen by Immunochromatography, to detect C. Trachomatis Antibody (IgG) By ELISA and to detect possible association of C. Trachomatis with other Bacterial Flora.

Methods: Standard procedures were used to collect genital discharge specimens (Endocervical, Vaginal) and blood from 226 patients. Conventional methods were used to isolate and identify bacterial flora. Patients were tested for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis antigen and antibody using an Immunochromatographic assay (Biomerieux) and an ELISA (Novatech, Germany).

Results: Giemsa staining revealed 'inclusion bodies' in 69/226 (30.53 percent) of the 226 patients. Chlamydia trachomatis was discovered to be the most frequently associated with Candida albicans (29.41 percent). Of 180 samples, 102/180 (55.66%) were positive for IgG by ELISA. Of 50 samples, 07/50 (14%) were positive for Chlamydia trachomatis antigen by immunochromatographic assay. Results of both the test were evaluated.

Conclusion: Although tissue culture is the gold standard for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis, serological assays are much simpler, sensitive, and fast. Chlamydia co-infection with other STIs emphasises the importance of early laboratory diagnosis and specific treatment.