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Non-gonococcal urethritis due to Chlamydia trachomatis: the Ibadan experience
R A Bakare1, A A Oni, U S Umar
1Special Treatment Clinic, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences
|January 11, 2003
Summary
Chlamydia trachomatis is a significant cause of non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) in men, identified in over half of NGU cases. This bacterium was also prevalent in post-gonococcal urethritis, highlighting its role in persistent urethral symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Urethritis is a common condition in men, with non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) being the most frequent diagnosis.
- Identifying the causative agents of NGU is crucial for effective treatment and preventing complications.
- Chlamydia trachomatis is a primary suspect in NGU, but other pathogens also contribute.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in male patients presenting with urethritis.
- To differentiate between gonococcal urethritis (GU) and non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) and identify etiological agents in NGU.
- To assess the role of C. trachomatis in post-gonococcal urethritis (PGU).
Main Methods:
- Qualitative amplified enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) was used to detect C. trachomatis.
- 289 male patients with urethritis symptoms were tested.
- Control subjects were included for comparison.
Main Results:
- Chlamydia trachomatis was detected in 56.60% of NGU cases (112 out of 198).
- 14% of NGU cases were attributed to Trichomonas urethritis.
- C. trachomatis was significantly more prevalent in patients with urethritis compared to controls (P<0.001).
- Peak incidence of urethritis occurred in men aged 20-29 years.
- C. trachomatis was found in 84.6% of patients with post-gonococcal urethritis (PGU).
Conclusions:
- Chlamydia trachomatis is a major causative agent of non-gonococcal urethritis in men.
- C. trachomatis plays a significant role in post-gonococcal urethritis.
- While clinical symptoms differ between gonorrhoea and NGU, distinguishing between chlamydia-positive and chlamydia-negative NGU based on symptoms alone is challenging.