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. 2025 Jul 4;25(1):321.
doi: 10.1186/s12905-025-03875-0.

Molecular prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among women attending gynaecological clinic for infertility evaluation

Olufemi Olamakinwa Ala  1 , Bukhari Isah Shuaib  2 , Amina Momodu  3 , Musa Abidemi Muhibi  3
Affiliations

Molecular prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among women attending gynaecological clinic for infertility evaluation

Olufemi Olamakinwa Ala et al. BMC Womens Health. .

Abstract

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted bacterial infections and a significant cause of infertility in women. Despite its asymptomatic nature, the bacterium can ascend the reproductive tract, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease and tubal factor infertility.

Objective: This study investigated the molecular prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection (CTI) among women attending a gynaecological clinic for infertility evaluation.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involving 135 women was conducted at Edo University Teaching Hospital, Auchi, Nigeria. Endocervical swabs were collected during speculum examination and stored in DNA stabilization buffer at - 20 °C. Genomic DNA was extracted using the Qiagen DNA extraction kit, followed by PCR amplification targeting the ompA gene of C. trachomatis. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected via structured questionnaires. Statistical significance was assessed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25 (IBM Corp.) and the Chi-square test, with significance defined as p < 0.05.

Results: Out of 135 women screened, the molecular prevalence of CTI was 27.4%. The highest rate occurred among women of 18-26 years of age (31.6%), although age differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.38). Chlamydia trachomatis infection was significantly associated with a history of STIs (40.0% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.02) and PID (45.0% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.01). Women with secondary education had a higher prevalence (36.7%) than those with tertiary education (20.0%) (p = 0.05). No significant association was observed between vaginal symptoms and infection status, with malodorous discharge also failing to demonstrate statistical significance (p = 0.08). Logistic regression identified younger age (18-26 age group) (OR = 0.46, p = 0.007), STI history (OR = 0.24, p < 0.001), and PID (OR = 2.67, p = 0.005) as significant predictors of CTI. Tertiary education was protective (OR = 0.42, p = 0.028).

Conclusion: Chlamydia trachomatis infection was prevalent among women attending a gynaecological clinic for infertility. Younger age, a history of STIs, and PID were significant predictors of infection, while tertiary education appeared protective. Targeted screening and educational interventions are essential to mitigate infection-related infertility.

Keywords: Chlamydia trachomatis; Infertility; Molecular diagnosis; Prevalence; Risk factors.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: The study protocol was approved by the hospital research ethics committee of Edo University, Iyamho, Edo State, Nigeria (ethical approval number: EDSUREC23/0076). Informed consent was obtained from all the participants per the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2013; voluntariness and strict confidentiality were maintained throughout the study. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Clinical trial: Not applicable.

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