Prevalence and host-related factors of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among fertile and infertile people in Ankpa, Kogi State, Nigeria

Yunusa, Paschal Ileada; Umeh, Ebele Uchena; Yaji, Mnena Eunice; Omatola, Cornelius Arome

doi:10.21608/mid.2024.277979.1852

Prevalence and host-related factors of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among fertile and infertile people in Ankpa, Kogi State, Nigeria

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Microbiology, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

² Department of Microbiology, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba P. M. B. 1008, Kogi State, Nigeria

10.21608/mid.2024.277979.1852

Abstract

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infections in the world and can cause infertility in both males and females. However, most Nigerian health care facilities do not screen for Chlamydia antigen in gynecological and general out-patient clinics. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and possible host-related factors of C. trachomatis infection among fertile and infertile people in Ankpa, Kogi State. Methods: Urine samples, endocervical swabs and urethral swabs were collected from 116 fertile and 92 infertile patients between January and April 2023, after administering a structured questionnaire and obtaining informed consent. Samples were analyzed using Diaspot Chlamydia Kit, a rapid immunoassay test for the detection of genital chlamydia antigen in urinogenital samples and by the McCoy cell culture technique. Samples (N=208) were collected from males (n=81) and females (n=127) aged between 19 and 50 years. Results: Overall, nineteen samples (9.1%) tested positive for C. trachomatis antigen. Infertile patients (63.2%) had higher C. trachomatis prevalence than fertile patients (36.8%). Infertile divorced patients (14.3%) had a higher rate of infection than the single fertile patients (8.8%) and married patients (5.2%). C. trachomatis infection rate was higher among fertile men (66.7%) than among fertile women (23.1%). The seropositivity rate did not differ between fertile men and infertile men (χ²=0.00; P=1.00). However, among women, the seropositivity rate differed marginally between fertile women and infertile ones (χ² = -0.174; P=0.05). Infection was significantly associated with low-income level (R=0.179; P=0.01), history of sexually transmitted diseases (R=-0.264; P=0.00) and lack of condom use (R=0.150; P=0.031). Conclusion: The current study observed a high rate of C. trachomatis infection in the study population when compared with other epidemiological studies. Consequently, we suggest awareness campaigns, routine screening, and monitoring of all fertile and infertile people for early detection and treatment of confirm cases to check C. trachomatis infection threat to reproductive life.

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