ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection and evaluated its risk factors in early pregnancy. METHODS: From April, 2004 to July, 2004, in antenatal care center, endocervial swabs were obtained in the 100 pregnant women during first trimester. After then, Chlamydia trachomatis infection was screened by DNA hybridization test which detects Chlamyidal r-RNA. All data were collected from review of each patient's medical record, including age and obstetric history. Associations between variables were studied using chi-square test. RESULTS: The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection was 9.0% (9/100) in early pregnancy. There were no significant differences in mean age between Chlamydial infection group and non-infection group (29.9 vs 30.2). In Chlamydial infection group, there was a high peak prevalence among the late thirties (21.4%) and the early twenties (16.7%) was the next. We couldn't find any statistical significances in age, parity and gravida among Chlamydial infection groups. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of Chlamydial infection is high in early pregnancy and Chlamydial infection has a deleterious effect on pregnancy outcome. Therefore, the screening test for Chlamydia trachomatis may be recommended at first antenatal visit. And early diagnosis and treatment may offer the benefit to prevention of obstetrical complication and neonatal infection.