Comparative screening of chlamydia trachomatis infection in women population in Tehran, Iran

There are more than 30 different sexually transmissible agents while the most common one is Chlamydia trachomatis. In this prospective study, we decided to compare the prevalence of infection in symptomatic and asymptomatic females. Two hundred sixty urine samples of women in two groups [symptomatic and asymptomatic] were collected from patients attending Mehrad Hospital in Tehran, Iran and tested by polymerase chain reaction. Thirty nine women in both groups were infected [14.99%], while 27/130 subjects were in symptomatic group [20.76%], compared with 12/130 person in asymptomatic group [9.23%]. No statistically significant difference was found between two groups. Data analysis showed infection with C. trachomatis in symptomatic women to be significantly associated with history of sexually transmitted infections, white blood cells in urine and epithelial cells in urine. The present study recommends that targeted screening programs in high risk sexually active women [like as individuals who had a history of STIs] are needed as part of case-finding strategies and treatment

Titration of specific antibodies to mycoplasma pneuomoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila among Iranian pilgrims' sera during Hajj season in 2004

Respiratory tract infection is the most common diseases among Iranian pilgrims during Hajj season. To understand the possibility of bacterial involvement in such infections, we screened the pilgrims' sera to determine the titer of antibodies against Mycoplasma pneuomoniae [MP], Chlamydia pneumoniae [CP] and Legionella pneumophila [LP]. Serum samples from 128 pilgrims were collected, before the trip and one month after returning home. Antibodies to MP, CP, LP were assayed using Immunoflourecent and ELISA methods. IgM antibody titre to CP did not elevated, but IgG antibody titer was increased in 34.58% [n=48] and 15.82% [n=22] of cases, indicating of recent infection. The specific antibodies to MP and LP were not increased. In pilgrims infected with an atypical respiratory pathogen, C. pneumoniae should be considered as an important causative. The true prevalence of this pathogen should be investigated since it relies on the sensitivity and specificity of currently available diagnostic methods