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Routine Screening of Gynaecological and Obstetric Patients for Chlamydia Trachomatis
Author(s) -
ElSheikh M. Magdy,
Sengupta B. S.,
Bakir T. M. F.,
Hossain A.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.734
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1479-828X
pISSN - 0004-8666
DOI - 10.1111/j.1479-828x.1987.tb00960.x
Subject(s) - chlamydia trachomatis , medicine , cervix , obstetrics , gynecology , pelvic infection , chlamydia , chlamydial infection , vaginal discharge , sex organ , pregnancy , immunology , family planning , population , biology , research methodology , genetics , environmental health , cancer
EDITORIAL COMMENT: There is much discussion regarding the selection of tests which should be performed on all antenatal patients. Many centres perform routine cervical cultures in late pregnancy to detect Group B beta‐haemolytic streptococci since approximately 1 in 2,000 babies acquire a clinical infection with this organism and the infection is fatal in approximately 50% of cases. However, the prevalence of chlamydia trachomatis reported in this study suggests that the detection of this organism is at least as important, in both obstetric and gynaecological patients. Now that a simple accurate method of enzyme immunoassay recognition of chlamydial infection is available, it is important that large populations of antenatal and gynaecological patients be studied to determine the prevalence and significance of the infection in any particular community. It is salutary to note that the data reported in this paper were gathered in a community where chastity is exemplary. Summary: Chlamydia trachomatis infection of the cervix uteri was diagnosed in 9% of 221 gynaecological and obstetric patients. Infection occurred more commonly among obstetric (12.6%) than gynaecological patients (5.5%). In obstetric patients chlamydial infection was commoner in those complaining of excessive vaginal discharge or spontaneous premature rupture of the membranes. Chlamydial infection in gynaecological patients occurred in those with previous pelvic infection, menstrual disorders or excessive vaginal discharge. No cases of chlamydial infection were detected among intrauterine device users. The enzyme immunoassay we used is an easy and relatively quick method of diagnosis for genital chlamydial infection.