Distribution Rate of Chlamydial Infection According to Demographic Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Clinics in Zaria Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Chlamydia trachomatis also known as the “Silent Epidemic” is a major threat to the reproductive health of women. This study was aimed at determining the seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis based one demographic factors among women attending clinics in Zaria metropolis, Kaduna State. Each participant completed a researcher-devised questionnaire and quasi design was used in the selection of hospitals. Subsequently about 5mls of peripheral blood for serological analysis was obtained after informed consent. Presence of antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis was determined using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to detect IgG and screening for HIV was also done using Determine® HIV 1/2 as well as Uni-GoldTM HIV Test Kits. Out of the two hundred and seventy (270) samples collected, 32(11.9%) were positive for Chlamydia trachomatis IgG, 7(2.6%). Chlamydial infection was found to be significantly associated with level of education. There was no significant association between chlamydial infection and occupation, subjects’ husbands’ occupation.