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Published on: August 11, 2012
Screening for Chlamydia trachomatis in subfertile women
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|December 22, 1999
Summary
Chlamydia trachomatis, a common STI, was screened in over 400 women seeking infertility treatment. Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) detected no infections, while ligase chain reaction (LCR) found a 1.9% prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Chlamydia trachomatis is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection in the UK and Europe.
- Asymptomatic female infections can lead to serious sequelae, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.
- Uterine instrumentation in women with chlamydial infection increases the risk of ascending infection, a concern for those undergoing infertility investigations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in women presenting for infertility investigation and treatment.
- To compare the diagnostic performance of enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and ligase chain reaction (LCR) for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis in this population.
- To inform clinical practice regarding screening and prophylactic measures before uterine instrumentation.
Main Methods:
- Screening of over 400 consecutive women undergoing infertility investigation at a regional fertility centre.
- Utilizing two diagnostic methods: enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for half the participants and ligase chain reaction (LCR) for the other half.
- Analysis of prevalence data based on the diagnostic test employed.
Main Results:
- Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) detected 0% prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis.
- Ligase chain reaction (LCR) identified a 1.9% prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis.
- The overall low prevalence observed may be partly attributed to the older age of the study cohort.
Conclusions:
- Ligase chain reaction (LCR) appears more sensitive than enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis in subfertile women.
- Given the potential risks associated with uterine instrumentation, centres relying solely on EIA may consider prophylactic antibiotics.
- Further research is needed to validate these findings with larger cohorts and compare diagnostic methods.
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