ANTI-CHLAMYDIA TRICHOMATIS IgG POSITIVITY AMONG HIV POSITIVE WOMEN IN ABUJA, NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis has emerged as the most common bacterial sexually transmitted pathogen. It is also known to cause infection of the cervix, urethra, and epididymitis in man, and conjunctivitis and pneumonia in newborns. Chlamydia trachomatis infections are among the sexually transmitted disease (STDs) known to increase the risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Aim: This was a cross-sectional prospective study that aimed to determine the prevalence of chlamydia trachomatis among HIV positive women, with a view to provide a guideline of clinical and laboratory methods for effective management of HIV infection in Nigeria.

Subjects and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 120 subjects, and analysis for detection of anti-Chlamydia trachomatis IgG was done by a solid-phase EIA using immunocomb Chlamydia IgG kit manufactured by Ogenics (Israel) and the result interpreted according to manufacturer’s interpretation guides respectively.

Results: Of the 60 test samples of HIV positive women analysed for seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, 27(45%) were Chlamydia trachomatis positive and 33(55%) were negative. Out of the 60 control samples of HIV negative women samples analysed, 26(43.3%) were Chlamydia trachomatis positive and 34(56.7%) were Chlamydia trachomatis negative.

Conclusion: The detection of the anti-Chlamydia trachomatis in sera of HIV positive women and HIV negative women attending ART facility (IHVN Laboratory) at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital FCT Abuja, provides rationale for possible inclusion of routine screening for anti-Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies and anti-Chlamydia agent among women attending antenatal clinic, in STD clinic and among HIV positive women.