RESUMO
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
RESUMO
As prenatal screening for sexually transmitted infections and treatment of infected pregnant women is not routinely performed in Iran and prevalence of two sexually transmitted pathogens, Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium, in Sabzevar [east of Iran] is unknown, we decided to perform this prospective study. One hundred ninety-six urine specimens of pregnant women attending the specialized maternity hospital of the city were collected and tested by duplex PCR. A total of 31 specimens were positive [15.81%] [27 Chlamydia trachomatis isolates, 13.77%; and 2 Mycoplasma genitalium isolates, 1.02%]. Co-infection with both species was detected in 2 specimens [1.02%]. A significant correlation was found between preterm labor and infection [P-value < 0.05]. The present study shows high prevalence of Chlamydial infections in comparison with Mycoplasma genitalium in this region. Further studies with larger sample size and more focused on different groups at risk are needed for a movement towards prevention and control of sexually transmitted infections [STIs]