Chlamydia trachomatis infection in patients attending an Early Pregnancy Unit: prevalence, symptoms, pregnancy location and viability.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and its relationship to age, ethnicity, symptomatology, pregnancy location and viability in women attending an Early Pregnancy Unit.


METHODS
Women were offered screening for Chlamydia over a 4-month period. Presenting complaints, maternal age, ethnic origin, gestational age, pregnancy location, pregnancy viability and swab results were recorded.


RESULTS
One thousand, one hundred and one women were offered screening. Nine hundred and sixteen (83.2%) agreed to participate. Eight hundred and six (88.0%) had readable swabs. The prevalence of Chlamydia was 2.2% (95% CI: 1.4-3.5) (18/806). The prevalence in those <25 years of age was 8.7% (95% CI: 5.1-14.3). Prevalence was higher in black women compared to Asian or Caucasian women. The prevalence of Chlamydia in symptomatic and asymptomatic women was 2.3% (12/521) and 2.1% (6/285), respectively, p>0.166. There was no significant difference in the final early pregnancy outcome in women with or without Chlamydia.


CONCLUSIONS
Currently Chlamydia screening is not advised in Early Pregnancy Units as the women are thought to be of low risk; however, there are subgroups that are at relatively high risk. Screening this population is therefore important. There is, however, no difference in pregnancy location and viability in women with or without Chlamydia.
Early Pregnancy and Gynaecological Ultrasound Unit, St George's, University of London, London, Cranmer Terrace, UK. ejkirk@hotmail.co.uk
Emma
E
Kirk
Shabana
S
Bora
Ben
B
Van Calster
George
G
Condous
Sabine
S
Van Huffel
Dirk
D
Timmerman
Tom
T
Bourne
D000328:Adult; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008131:London / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014505:Urban Population