Genital Chlamydia Trachomatis and Neisseria Gonorrhoeae among Reproductive Age Group Women Attending Jimma University Specialized Hospital: Prevalence and Risk Factors. Jimma, South West Ethiopia

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.