Background: Chlamydia trachomatis is a common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause complications during pregnancy, leading to neonatal conditions such as conjunctivitis, pneumonia, sepsis, and death.Methodology: A prospective cohort study was conducted at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, from March to September 2023. Ninety-four pregnant women presenting in labour were systematically recruited. Endocervical swabs were tested using the JusChek Chlamydia Rapid Test Cassette and Giemsa-stained microscopy. Neonates were monitored for sepsis, conjunctivitis, and other complications. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0, with significance set at P<0.05.Results: Among the 94 participants, the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection was 13.8%. Neonates born to infected mothers exhibited significantly higher rates of conjunctivitis (12.5%) and sepsis (15.4%) compared to those born to uninfected mothers. This association was statistically significant (P<0.001), with a notably increased risk of neonatal sepsis (RR = 49.23), highlighting the serious impact of maternal infection on neonatal health outcomes.Conclusion: Maternal Chlamydia trachomatis infection significantly impacts neonatal outcomes. Routine screening during pregnancy is essential to reduce neonatal morbidity and align with global neonatal health targets.
Akinyoade et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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