Asymptomatic Carriage of Chlamydia trachomatis Among Young Adults in Owerri, South East Nigeria

Chlamydia is one of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections. A good number of chlamydial infections in men and women may be asymptomatic and remain undiagnosed and untreated. This could result in cervicitis, endometritis, salpingitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy or tubal factor infertility in women and inflammation of the prostate, testicles and subsequently infertility in men. A study was conducted to determine the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis among asymptomatic young male and females. The test was performed by detecting Chlamydia trachomatis IgG in the serum of the patients by solid phase Enzyme Immuno Assay. One hundred and fifty males and 150 females aged 15-35 were tested. The prevalence rate of Chlamydia trachomatis among the studied population was 6.7%. Females had prevalence rate of 8.7% while males had 4.7%. The age ranges 20-24 and 25-29 had higher prevalence. Sexually transmitted Chlamydia trachomatis infections is present asymptomatically among young men and women in the studied population and that could portend danger to the fertility potentials of these men and women. We suggest that routine screening of sexually active young men and women for Chlamydia be undertaken and positive cases treated accordingly. Enlightenment for Safe sex practices is also advocated.