Prevalence and risk factors for Chlamydia trachomatis infection in pregnant women.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for Chlamydia trachomatis infection in pregnant women. A total of 351 asymptomatic pregnant women (first to second trimesters; age range: 15-30 years) were examined. The background data related to social and marital status, age, anamnestic data were also recorded. Serum samples were tested for IgM antibodies specific to Chlamydia trachomatis by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In the present study the overall rate of C trachomatis infections in pregnant women was 33% including 41 women (38.7%) under 20 years, 39 women (36.8%) in age of 21-25, and 26 women (24.5%) in age of 25-30. The age group under 20 years exhibited higher risk of infection. There was a significant correlation between the Chlamydia trachomatis infection rate and clinical risk factors such as rare visits to the gynecologist, pelvic inflammatory disease, premature delivery, spontaneous abortions, ectopic pregnancies, C. trachomatis-positivity, chlamydial cervicitis in anamnesis. The prevalence of asymptomatic C. trachomatis infection in pregnant women is 72.6%, therefore, we suggest the screening for chlamydial infection of all pregnant women at least once during their pregnancy.