Open AccessSeroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis IgA, IgM and IgG Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors among Sexually Active Individuals at Saint Vincent de Paul Hospital in Dschang, West Cameroon
Author(s) -
Thomas Djifack Tadongfack,
Irina Lydia Sudeu Nitcheu,
Rodrigue Ngoune,
Vanessa Rosine Nkouayep,
Aline Camerl Nzeffouo Selabi,
Viany Nankeng Manhafo,
Blanche Lydie Bebe Moussango Enangue,
Romeo Hervis Tedjieu,
Carine Tsoplifak Kenfack,
François Roger Nguépy Keubo,
Monique Odette Kamtchueng,
Michael Junior Piameu Chadou
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international std research and reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2347-5196
DOI - 10.9734/isrr/2021/v10i330133
Subject(s) - seroprevalence , chlamydia trachomatis , medicine , asymptomatic , univariate analysis , population , chlamydia , condom , logistic regression , immunology , risk factor , demography , multivariate analysis , antibody , serology , environmental health , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , syphilis , sociology
Background: Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common cause of sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Infections caused by this pathogen are usually symptomatic in men and asymptomatic in about 2/3 of women resulting in a variety of clinical complications.
Aim: To determine the seroprevalence of immunological markers and the risk factors associated with the seropositivity to C. trachomatis infection in sexually active individuals visiting the Saint Vincent de Paul Hospital in Dschang, West region Cameroon
Study Design: This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted between July and September 2020 at Saint Vincent de Paul Hospital in Dschang, Cameroon.
Methods: A total of 154 participants were recruited during the data collection period. An indirect ELISA method was used to analyse participant’s serum samples. Risk factors were assessed through univariate and multivariate logistic regression using SPSS 25.
Results: The seroprevalence of C. trachomatis infection was 38.3% (95%CI: 30.6 - 46.0). Only 39.6% (95%CI: 31.6 - 47.3) of the study population had never been in contact with the bacterium. The reinfection rate among participants was 8.4% (95%CI: 4.0 - 12.8). Results revealed that being Male is a protective factor against the infection [aOR: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.03 - 0.56; P .007]. The non-use of condom [aOR: 21.58; 95% CI: 3.53 – 132.06; P .001] and having encountered three or more sexual partners [aOR: 9.90; 95%CI: 1.07 – 91.60; P .043] were the significant predictors of Chlamydia seropositivity.
Conclusion: The implementation of proactive strategies to curb down the spread of the infection is necessary in this locality. This can be done by providing NAATs to as many health facilities as possible, educating the population and standardizing treatment protocols.