The prevalence, risks, and management of Chlamydia trachomatis infections in fertile and infertile patients from the high socioeconomic bracket of the South African population.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis endocervicitis in an infertile population.

DESIGN

Forty consecutive patients were enrolled in the study group and 41 in the control group.

SETTING

The study was undertaken in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the University of the Orange Free State, Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa.

PATIENTS

Infertile white females, visiting an infertility clinic in an academic hospital and fertile white female patients visiting an antenatal clinic.

INTERVENTIONS

Endocervical swabs were taken, and monoclonal direct immunofluorescence for C. Trachomatis were done on each.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

A difference was expected between the prevalence of C. trachomatis infection in the fertile and infertile population.

RESULTS

In the study group, 14(35.9%) positive, 25(64.1%) negative, and 1 fallout were obtained. In the control group, 3 patients (7.32%) tested positive.

CONCLUSION

Although no correlation was found between C. trachomatis infection of the female genital tract and the clinical history, it showed a significant correlation with infertility. This justifies routine screening tests and antibiotic treatment of positive infertile couples. Analysis of cost-effectiveness showed that empirical treatment of new infertile couples is justified in some populations.