Chlamydia trachomatis infection in late pregnancy: a prospective study

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neonatal Health

Background:

• Chlamydia trachomatis is a common sexually transmitted infection.
• Screening pregnant women for Chlamydia trachomatis is a public health consideration.
• Perinatal transmission can lead to infant complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in pregnant women.
• To identify risk factors associated with infection.
• To assess the impact of maternal infection on pregnancy outcomes and infant health.

Main Methods:

• A 1-year screening of 3309 pregnant women using cervical swabs and monoclonal antibody ELISA for Chlamydia trachomatis antigen.
• Binomial regression analysis to identify risk factors.
• Follow-up of infants born to infected mothers to assess for complications.

Main Results:

• Chlamydia trachomatis antigen was detected in 6% (198/3309) of pregnant women.
• Higher prevalence observed in women under 20 years (14.5%), single women (14.2%), and Black women (16.8%).
• Maternal infection did not demonstrate a significant effect on pregnancy outcomes, but 24% of infants born to infected mothers tested positive, with 53% experiencing complications like conjunctivitis and respiratory infections.

Conclusions:

• While Chlamydia trachomatis infection is prevalent in certain pregnant populations, maternal screening offers limited benefit in preventing perinatal morbidity.
• Infant infections respond well to erythromycin therapy, suggesting postnatal treatment is effective.
• Focusing on effective infant treatment may be more beneficial than widespread antenatal screening and treatment.