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PubMed1999

Frequency of apolipoprotein E (APOE) allele types in patients with Chlamydia-associated arthritis and other arthritides.

Genetic background is important in determining whether certain infecting bacteria disseminate to the joint and cause arthritis. We assessed whether APOE genotype is associated with the presence of DNA from Chlamydia or other bacteria in synovial tissues of patients with various arthritides. Nucleic acids from synovial tissues of 135 patients were screened by PCR for DNA from Chlamydia trachomatis, C. pneumoniae and other bacteria (pan-bacteria). APOE genotype was determined by a PCR-based method for all patients in each of four resulting groups comprised of about 35 individuals each, positive for C. trachomatis only, C. pneumoniae only, other bacteria, or no bacteria. RT-PCR was used to assess synovial APOE expression. The latter assays confirmed that APOE mRNA is present in synovial tissue. Determination of APOE genotype showed that patients PCR-negative in all assays, and those positive in the C. trachomatis - and pan-bacteria- (excluding Chlamydia) directed assays, had distributions of the APOE epsilon2, epsilon3 and epsilon4 alleles mirroring those of the general population (i.e. about 8%, 79% and 13%, respectively). In contrast, 68% of patients with C. pneumoniae DNA in synovium possessed a copy of the epsilon4 allele. These results indicate that no association exists between APOE genotype and synovial presence of C. trachomatis or other bacteria. However, individuals bearing at least one copy of the APOE epsilon4 allele may be at increased risk for synovial infection by C. pneumoniae.

Alleles↗
PubMed1992

[The ultrastructural study on the relationship between Chlamydia trachomatis and the host cell in adhesion and during and after invasion].

Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) is 0.4-0.5 microns in diameter in the EB stage, with the nucleoid located eccentrically within it. We studied the relationship between the eccentric nucleoid and the host cell surface under electron microscope, when C. trachomatis was in adhesion to the host cell and during and after invasion into the host cell. When C. trachomatis adheres to and invades a host cell, the eccentric nucleoid is located on the side distant from the host cell surface (44 of 66, 66%). The 1 x 3 chi-square test indicates that the difference is significant at p less than 0.001. After C. trachomatis invades a host cell, the eccentric nucleoid is located on the side close to the host cell surface (61 of 138, 44%). The 1 x 3 chi-square test shows the difference to be significant at p less than 0.001. However, since the latter (44%) is less than the former (66%). C. trachomatis revolves between adhesion and the completion of the invasion. The 2 x 3 chi-square test shows a significant difference at p less than 0.001.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Combination of bacterial vaginosis and leukorrhea as a predictor of cervical chlamydial or gonococcal infection.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the combination of bacterial vaginosis and leukorrhea on microscopic evaluation of a saline wet preparation is associated with cervical infection with Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) or Neisseria gonorrhea (N. gonorrhea). METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 598 patients was performed. Nonpregnant patients undergoing a saline wet preparation and microbiologic testing for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhea were eligible. Providers prospectively collected data from saline microscopic analysis. Bacterial vaginosis was documented based on Amsel's criteria, and ligase chain reaction testing of the endocervix was performed for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhea. RESULTS: On univariate analysis, young age (less than 25 years), unmarried marital status, black race, and the presence of leukorrhea were all associated with increased rates of testing positive for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhea (P <.05). We stratified patients into three groups: 1) no evidence of bacterial vaginosis or leukorrhea; 2) evidence of either bacterial vaginosis or leukorrhea, but not both; and 3) evidence of both bacterial vaginosis and leukorrhea. Using logistic regression analysis to control for age, marital status, and race, we found an odds ratio of 3.8 (95% confidence interval 1.3, 11.6) for a positive microbiologic test for either C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhea in women with the combination of bacterial vaginosis and leukorrhea. CONCLUSION: In this group of high-risk women seen in an urgent care facility, the presence of both bacterial vaginosis and leukorrhea was associated with an increased risk of cervical infection. Future prospective studies should evaluate whether empiric treatment of high-risk women with these findings is justified and cost-effective.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[The role of Chlamydia trachomatis infections in women with urinary tract diseases].

The aim of our study was to determine the incidence of Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) infections and its role in the etiopathogenesis of urinary tract infections in women. We studied 68 women, who where divided into two groups (I-with urethral syndrome, II-with other urologic diseases). With the use of direct diagnostic methods (immunofluorescence method, tissue culture) C. trachomatis infection was found in 25/68 (36.8%) women. In the group of women with urethral syndrome the percentage of positive results was higher in comparison to the second group, 53.8% and 26.2%, respectively. Specific antichlamydial antibodies of IgG class using direct immunoenzymatic method were found in 10/26 (38.5%) women with urethral syndrome. In the first group the infection was found more often in the urethra (urethra-85.7%, uterine cervix-50%) as in comparison to the second group. In the second group infection was found more often in the uterine cervix (urethra-45.5%, uterine cervix-72.7%). The incidence of C. trachomatis infection in women with urethral syndrome was in direct correlation with a larger number of polynuclear leukocytes in urine sediment (more than 3 in the viewing field). C. trachomatis infection was found in 76.5% of women with leukocyturia and 12.5% of women in which the number of leukocytes in urine sediment was less than 3 in the viewing field. The incidence of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis infections between both study groups did not differ significantly. However, the incidence of yeast-like fungi infections in the group of women with other urologic diseases was double. The clinical sign most often found in women infected with C. trachomatis and with urethral syndrome was dysuria, which was present in all 14 women. In the group of women with other urologic diseases the clinical sign found most often was pollakisuria (72.7%).

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Seroepidemiologic study of Chlamydia pneumoniae and other chlamydial species in a hyperendemic area for trachoma in the Sudan.

Sera of inhabitants of Angola village in central Sudan were investigated for the prevalence of antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis, C. pneumoniae, and C. psittaci by the microimmunofluorescence (MIF) test. Clinical examination of 616 persons showed that the village is hyperendemic for trachoma. Of the 448 children examined, 334 (75%) had signs of active trachoma. The corresponding prevalence in the 168 adults was 25%. Using MIF, antibodies to C. trachomatis were found in the sera of 27 (81%) children and of 37 (88%) adults with trachoma. Antibodies to C. pneumoniae occurred in 13% and 24% of the preschool and school trachomatous children, respectively, and in 64% of the adults, which reflects earlier exposure to C. pneumonia in the Sudan than generally reported from temperate zones. Antibodies to C. psittaci were found in 6% of the children less than 16 years old and in 17% of the adults. Of the patients with trachoma, 16% had antibodies to both C. trachomatis and C. pneumoniae. The prevalence of multiple antibodies to Chlamydia increased with age. Antibodies to all three species occurred in 3% of the patients. The study does not support the existence of protective immunity between C. pneumoniae, C. trachomatis, and C. psittaci, as shown by the high prevalence of chlamydial antibodies in the hyperendemic trachoma community studied.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis antigen in cases of cervicitis and patients with vaginal discharge].

This study was carried on 129 women of 16-62 age group, with complaints of vaginal discharge, genital itching and soreness, dysuria and pollakiuria. Endocervical specimens were investigated for Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) antigen by ELISA. Risk factors for several gynecologic and obstetric pathologies and the role of C. trachomatis in mucopurulent cervicitis were emphasized. C. trachomatis antigen was found to be positive in 9 (7%) specimens. We concluded that, in cases of cervicitis, especially to prevent complications and social problems, the presence of C. trachomatis should also be investigated in addition to several viral, bacterial and fungal agents.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

[Studies on local immune response in mouse model of experimental Escherichia coli intrauterine infections].

Studies were conducted to elucidate the immune cell response at infection sites by performing immunostaining of immune cells with a monoclonal antibody in an experimental Escherichia coli (E. coli) mouse uterine infection model. 1. The incidence of uterine infection by E. coli decreased with the passage of time: 4/4 on Day 1, 4/6 on Day 3, 2/6 on Day 7, and 1/6 on each of Days 14 and 21. It was surmised that clearance of the bacteria from the infection sites was being carried out by immune cells. 2. Beginning from infection Day 1, the infected uterine tissue was observed to undergo a moderate degree of invasion by neutrophils, macrophages, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and IgA+ B cells. Then, beginning from infection Day 3, there was a mild degree of invasion of the infected uterine tissue by IgM+ B cells and IgG+ B cells. The number of neutrophils in the tissue decreased beginning from infection Day 14, but the degree of invasion of the infected tissue by the other kinds of immune cells remained almost constant through infection Day 21. 3. A comparison was made of the immune responses to local infection by E. coli, and Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis), an intracellular parasite. It was found that the invasion of the infection site by immune cells occurred earlier in the case of E. coli infection than C. trachomatis infection. In addition, the C. trachomatis infection site was observed to contain greater numbers of macrophages and CD8+ T cells play important roles in the immune defense at sites of infection by C. trachomatis.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

A proposed mouse model for acute epididymitis provoked by genital serovar E, Chlamydia trachomatis.

This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of the male mouse as a model for epididymitis caused by human genital serovar E, Chlamydia trachomatis. C. trachomatis was reisolated from all tissues removed on Days 3, 5, and 7 post inoculation (pi). Although some infected epididymides removed on Days 10, 14, and 21 pi were positive, control tissues remained negative. Histopathology of tissues showed a heavy, mixed inflammatory infiltrate consisting of polymorphonuclear cells and lymphocytes. Serum antibody to C. trachomatis was detected in the infected mice only (titer greater than or equal to 1:32). Chlamydial inclusions and individual elementary bodies were confirmed by immunofluorescent and immunoperoxidase staining up to Day 7 pi. These data show that the male mouse is susceptible to C. trachomatis infection and is appropriate for studies dealing with the effect of C. trachomatis on male fertility.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Chlamydia trachomatis infections in women with adverse pregnancy outcome.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) infection in women with adverse pregnancy outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 258 patients aged 18-43 yrs were enrolled into the study. Among them, 162 women have had spontaneous abortions in the past (group A), 81 had history of intrauterine death of the foetus (group B) and 15 women had experienced preterm deliveries (group C). The control group (group D) included 131 women who were in the second or third trimester of uncomplicated pregnancy. C. trachomatis was investigated in cervical and urethral smears using direct immunofluorescence or Ligase chain reaction (LCR) for direct testing and immunoenzymatic assay (EIA) for serological testing and detection of specific IgG antibodies. RESULTS: C. trachomatis was detected in 25.9% patients in group A, 35.8% in group B and 20% in group C and only in 12.7% in group D. IgG specific antibodies were present in 31.5%, 41.9%, 26.6% and 14.5% of patients in these groups respectively. The highest prevalence of chlamydial infections, regardless the diagnostic method used, was registered in the group of women with a history of 3 abortions (42.3% when direct testing and 45.5% when serological testing) while the lowest prevalence was in women who experienced only l abortion (23.2% and 28%). CONCLUSION: C. trachomatis infection in pregnancy affects its duration as it can lead to miscarriage, death of the foetus and preterm delivery.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗
PubMed1996

Serotyping of Chlamydia trachomatis from inclusion conjunctivitis by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.

A molecular biological method of detecting and serotyping Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) directly from conjunctival specimens by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed and applied to the diagnosis of inclusion conjunctivitis. We amplified 1.2 kbp DNA fragments of ompA gene from 15 reference strains of C. trachomatis by two-step PCR using two pairs of primers. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis using a combination of three endonucleases (HinfI, HindIII and HhaI) completely differentiated 13 of the 15 serovars; the exceptions were B and Ba. We then used this method for 18 strains of C. trachomatis isolated from Japanese patients with inclusion conjunctivitis, serotyping them into six groups: D (5/18), G (5/18), E (3/18), H (2/18), F (1/18), and K (1/18). In our comparison of cell culture isolation with PCR analysis of 38 conjunctival swabs from 35 patients in Sapporo with follicular conjunctivitis, 8 were positive in culture isolation and were also positive in two-step PCR. Twenty-five of 26 strains (the 18 isolated strains and 8 strains amplified by two-step PCR) were genotyped to D, G, H, E, F, and K. One isolated strain could not be identified. The C. trachomatis which causes inclusion conjunctivitis in Japan appears to have a distribution of serovars similar to that of the sexually transmitted diseases.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Use of monoclonal antibodies in the diagnosis of chlamydial urethritis and cervicitis.

Isolation of Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) in cell culture is the most reliable method for the diagnosis of chlamydial infections. The results are obtained in 48-72 hours. We have produced anti-chlamydial monoclonal antibodies (McAb) and by means of indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) we have developed a rapid diagnostic test. Sixty-six patients, 34 males seen for subacute urethritis authenticated by the presence of polymorphonuclear cells on urethral smears and 32 females presenting with leucorrhea were included in the study. The specimens obtained from urethra and cervix were inoculated on Hela 229 cells for isolation of C. trachomatis. A similar specimen was placed in normal saline containing 2% fetal calf serum. 50 microliters of the saline solution were then placed in wells in IF slides, dried at 37 degrees C and fixed for 30 minutes in acetone at -20 degrees C. Anti-chlamydial McAb and fluorescein labelled mouse anti IgG were used for the rapid IIF test. From 34 cases, we have isolated C. trachomatis from the urethra of 19 males. In these 19 cases, most of the polymorphonuclear cells demonstrated a brilliant cytoplasma revealing the presence of chlamydial antigens. In 25 other cases without isolation, the rapid diagnostic test was positive twice. From the 32 females, C. trachomatis was isolated 7 times. In these 7 cases, the rapid diagnosis IIF test was positive with the same characteristics as noted in the male population. In the 25 other cases without isolation, the test was positive 3 times.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

[Significance of the detection of serum specific IgA and IgG antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis in the epidemiological survey, diagnosis and therapeutic effect on chlamydial infection in women].

In a study to evaluate the epidemiological status of Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) infections in the OB/GYN field, we performed an indirect enzyme immune assay, measuring serum specific IgG and IgA. 1) Among 1,812 cases (0-68 years old), antibody positive rates for IgG and IgA were 29.7% and 11.2%, respectively. The first peak was observed in an age group under 1 year old, representing birth canal infections and the second one in a 20-24 age group showed a certain relation to STD. 2) The C. trachomatis IgG and IgA antibody positive rates in the antigen positive group (139 cases) were significantly higher (p less than 0.01) than in the antigen negative group (792 cases). 3) In the antigen positive group (139 cases), the positive IgG rate was high (78.8-90.9%) but it did not show any clear differences among the following groups: PID, cervicitis, pregnancy and infertility. However, the positive IgA rate in peritoneal antigen positive PID showed a significantly higher positive rate (100%) than other groups such as cervicitis (39.4%), pregnancy (37.8%) and infertility (45.5%). 4) Following oral administration of antibiotics, the C. trachomatis antigen became negative in almost all cases, while IgG decreased or became negative only in cases of initial infection. IgA decreased or became negative in the following cases: initial infection, low titer cases before treatment, cases treated many times and comparatively young patients with acute infections. Consequently, the immunoassay of C. trachomatis serum antibody appeared to be valuable for epidemiological surveys, for defermining the status of the infection and the effect of treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Sexually transmitted infections among pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic in Fuzhou, China.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among women attending an antenatal clinic in urban China and to show whether reported symptoms and findings on clinical examination predicted STIs in this population. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 504 pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic in Fuzhou, China. Structured questionnaires were used to collect demographic and behavioral information, and clinical and gynecologic examinations were performed to detect clinical signs of STIs. Blood samples, vaginal swabs, and cervical swabs were collected, respectively, to test for antibodies to syphilis, culture Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis), and perform PCR to detect Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae). RESULTS: C trachomatis was detected in 51 (10.1%), N gonorrhoeae in 4 (0.8%), T vaginalis in 16 (3.2%), and syphilis in 1 (0.2%) of the 504 pregnant women. Fifty-two (73%) of 71 women with any STI were asymptomatic. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that age RMB 2000 yuan (OR=3.57) were significant independent risk factors for chlamydial infection (P<0.05). The reported symptom of vaginal discharge or the clinical sign of either vaginal or cervical discharge poorly predicted infection with C trachomatis, N gonorrhoeae, or T vaginalis, with a positive predictive value <25% for each STI. CONCLUSION: A substantial prevalence of STIs, including a large proportion of asymptomatic infections, was found among pregnant women in the study area. These results support a strategy of screening pregnant women for bacterial STIs (followed by treatment of infections), which could be integrated into routine pregnancy care in China.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Studies on immune response in mouse model of experimental Chlamydia trachomatis intrauterine infections].

An experimental model of Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) intrauterine infections was established in mice. Using this model, studies were conducted on the immune response at the site of infection by applying the ABC staining method and monoclonal antibodies directed against each of the various species of immunocompetent cells. At the same time, the serum levels of C. trachomatis-specific IgA and IgG antibodies were also measured. The immunological correspondence of these serum antibodies to C. trachomatis elementary bodies was also investigated. 1. With regard to the immunological response at the site of infection, there was greater infiltration by T cells than by B cells. Determination of the subsets of the T cells revealed that CD8+ T cells outnumbered CD4+ T cells. In addition, among the B cell lineage, there was moderate infiltration by IgA-positive B cells, whereas the infiltration by IgM-positive B cells and IgG-positive B cells was very slight. 2. C. trachomatis-specific IgA and IgG antibodies came to be detected beginning on the 7th day of infection. When the immunological correspondence of these serum antibodies to C. trachomatis elementary bodies was investigated by western blot analysis, one band reacted with the major outer membrane protein (MOMP; 39.5 Kd), while a second band reacted with a 60-Kd protein. On the basis of these findings, it was surmised that, as the immunological response to C. trachomatis infections, the host recognizes the MOMP and a 60-Kd protein in C. trachomatis elementary bodies, thus initiating a series of immune responses. It was also surmised that, at the sites of infection, cells belonging to the T-cell lineage, especially CD8+ cells, play an important role in the host's defense mechanism against the infection by C. trachomatis.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Ligase chain reaction for Chlamydia trachomatis detection in urine specimens from symptomatic and asymptomatic men.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of ligase chain reaction (LCR) for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) in the urine of symptomatic and asymptomatic men. METHODS: C. trachomatis was detected by LCR in both first-void urine (FVU) and urethral swab cultures from 852 randomly selected male outpatients seeking medical attention for sexually transmitted diseases. In cases with discrepancy between the results yielded by the two methods, a second LCR directed against a gene fragment encoding the major outer membrane protein was performed. The results were evaluated on the basis of an expanded gold standard. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity was 98.6% and 99.4% with LCR, respectively, and was 77.4% and 99.5% with urethral swab culture. The sensitivity of LCR was much higher than that of urethral swab culture P<0.001 . The presence or absence of urethral symptoms did not show any influence on the results. CONCLUSION: LCR is sensitive and specific for detecting C. trachomatis infections, and FVU can be used for non-invading diagnosis and screening of the infection in men.

Bacteriuria↗
PubMed1976

Differential response of chlamydial and ureaplasma-associated urethritis to sulphafurazole (sulfisoxazole) and aminocyclitols.

91 men with non-gonococcal urethritis (N.G.U.) were randomly treated with either sulphafurazole (sulfisoxazole), 500 mg orally q.i.d. for 10 days, or an aminocyclitol (streptomycin or spectinomycin), 2 g intramuscularity for 1 to 3 doses at 12 h intervals. Initial urethral cultures were positive for Chlamydia trachomatis (C) in 36 (40%). Ureaplasma urealyticum (U) was isolated from the urethra or urine from20 (95%) of 21 White men in a first episode of N.G.U. who had negative chlamydia cultures. Sulphafurazole, active against C. trachomatis but not U. urealyticum in vitro, produced a clinical response in 7 of 7 men with C+U- N.G.U. and 5 of 19 with C-U+ N.G.U. (P less than 0-01). Aminocyclitols, active against U. urealyticum but relatively inactive against C. trachomatis in vitro produced a clinical response in 0 of 6 men with C+U-N.G.U., 9 of 11 men with C-U+N.G.U. from whom ureaplasma was eradicated (P less than 0-01), and 0 of 8 with C-U+ N.G.U. from whom ureaplasma was not eradicated. C+U+ N.G.U. responded poorly to both antimicrobials alone. These results support the aetiological importance of both C. trachomatis and U. urealyticum in N.G.U.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2006

Chlamydia psittaci is variably associated with ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma in different geographical regions.

Infectious agents play a critical role in MALT lymphoma development. Studies from Italy showed Chlamydia psittaci infection in 87% of ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas and complete or partial regression of the lymphoma after C. psittaci eradication in four of nine cases. However, C. psittaci was not demonstrated in ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas from the USA. This study was thus designed to investigate further the role of C. psittaci, and other infectious agents commonly associated with chronic eye disease, in the development of ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma. The presence of C. psittaci, C. trachomatis, C. pneumoniae, herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV1, HSV2), and adenovirus 8 and 19 (ADV8, ADV19) was assessed separately by polymerase chain reaction in 142 ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas, 53 non-marginal zone lymphomas, and 51 ocular adnexal biopsies without a lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD), from six geographical regions. C. psittaci was detected at similar low frequencies in non-LPD and non-marginal zone lymphoma groups from different geographical regions (0-14%). Overall, the prevalence of C. psittaci was significantly higher in MALT lymphomas (22%) than in non-LPD (10%, p=0.042) and non-marginal zone lymphoma cases (9%, p=0.033). However, the prevalence of C. psittaci infection in MALT lymphoma showed marked variation among the six geographical regions examined, being most frequent in Germany (47%), followed by the East Coast of the USA (35%) and the Netherlands (29%), but relatively low in Italy (13%), the UK (12%), and Southern China (11%). No significant differences in the detection of C. pneumoniae, C. trachomatis, HSV1, HSV2, ADV8, and ADV19 were found between lymphomas and controls from different geographical regions. In conclusion, our results show that C. psittaci, but not C. pneumoniae, C. trachomatis, HSV1, HSV2, ADV8 or ADV19, is associated with ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma and that this association is variable in different geographical areas.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed2001

Chlamydial infection and unplanned pregnancy in women with ready access to health care.

OBJECTIVE: To apply urine-based ligase chain reaction for Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae) detection and standard urine-based pregnancy testing for Navy-enlisted women, and to compare the prevalence and epidemiologic correlates of these adverse reproductive outcomes. METHODS: Participants were surveyed and urine was collected for pregnancy testing using standard laboratory methods and detection of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infection by ligase chain reaction. Self-administered surveys facilitated collection of demographics, sexual behavior, including contraceptive use, sexual partners, sexually transmitted disease, and pregnancy history. RESULTS: Among 299 of 314 participants, the prevalence of chlamydial infection was 4.7% and of pregnancy was 9.7%, with 48.3% of the pregnancies unplanned. Chlamydia trachomatis infection was univariately associated with having a new sex partner within the last 6 months, more sexual partners, single marital status, condom use, drinking until passing out or vomiting in the past 30 days (alcohol misuse), and current pregnancy. Unplanned pregnancy was univariately associated with young age, single marital status, inconsistent condom use, having a new sex partner within the last 6 months, and more recent sexual partners. Among the pregnant women, four (13.8%) were infected with C. trachomatis. CONCLUSION: The high rates of chlamydial infection and unplanned pregnancy found in this population of employed young women with ready access to health care and health education underscore the challenge of enhancing reproductive health via compliance with effective contraceptive and sexually transmitted disease prevention methods. This is a challenge that remains unmet.

Adolescent↗