Chlamydial genital infection in Algiers: a sero-epidemiological survey

Using a microimmunofluorescence test, the prevalence of antichlamydial immunoglobulin (Ig) G in 720 people in Algiers was studied. 34 (36%) of women with low genital infection, 28 (30%) of 91 patients attending a cancer screening clinic, and 44 (100%) of prostitutes had antichlamydial IgG at a titre greater than or equal to 1:16. Among 180 women seeking a rubeola test, 48 (26.6%) had IgG titres greater than or equal to 1:16. 144 infants less than 3 months old were also tested and 16.6% of them had IgG titres greater than or equal to 1:160; 20 (20.7%) of 97 men with chronic urethritis had IgG titres greater than or equal to 1:16. Antibody titres suggesting active disease in prostitutes, patients attending the cancer screening clinic and women with low genital infection were found in 95%, 11% and 17% respectively.