Abstract:
Back ground: Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections are the most
common bacterial and treatable sexually transmitted diseases in both men and women. The
reproductive outcome is more severe in women. If left untreated they may leads to various long
term sequela including ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Due to
the asymptomatic nature of these infections, there is no clear picture about their prevalence.
Therefore, the present study was aimed at determining the prevalence of Chlamydia
trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoea infections and associated risk factors among
reproductive age group women in Jimma.
Methods: - A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July, 2013 at Jimma University
Specialized Hospital. A total 159 Women visiting the gynaecology outpatient department were
included. Socio-demographic and selected risk factor were collected using semi structured and
pre-tested questionnaire. Cervical swab specimens were collected for laboratory investigation.
Chlamydia trachomatis was detected using Chlamydia antigen detection method
(chromatographic test kit, Standard Diagnostics Inc, Korea). Modified Thayer Martin medium
was used for isolation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae at 370c in 10% carbon dioxide rich
atmosphere. Standard microbiologic technique was followed strictly. Percentage, frequencies
and statistical association was computed. P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically
significant.
Results: - One hundred and fifty nine women (15-49 years of age) with the mean age of 25.60
years (SD ± 6.6), attending the Gynaecology outpatient department were enrolled. Out of these
16.4% were positive for Chlamydia trachomatis and none were positive for Neisseria
gonorrhoeae. More than half (66.0%) of the respondents were married and 28.9% and 16.4%
were house wives and daily labourers, respectively. Among the study participant 79.2% did
not have the habit of condom use during sexual activity, 76.7% had a history of pregnancy and
56.8% had no clinical symptoms. Level of education, occupational status and presence of
clinical symptoms were significantly associated with Chlamydia trachomatis infection.
Conclusion: - Although no Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolate was found among symptomatic and
asymptomatic women, there was high prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis. Hence, further indepth inquiry is required to implement screening of Chlamydia trachomatis among all
reproductive age women who visit the gynaecological outpatient department regardless of the
presence of clinical symptoms.
