The Association between Chlamydia trachomatis and Ectopic Pregnancy in Lagos, Nigeria—A Case Control Study

Objectives: To determine the seropositivity of Chlamydia antibody in patients with ruptured ec-topic pregnancy compared to normal pregnant women and the risk factors for ectopic pregnancy. Study Design: This was a prospective case-control study of 85 cases of ruptured ectopic pregnancy and 100 cases of second trimester on-going intrauterine pregnant controls presenting in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) between September 2009 and March 2010. Study Site: This was at the gynaecological emergency room and antenatal clinic in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Ethical approval was sought and granted by the ethics review com-mittee of LASUTH. Study Participants: Patients presenting with ruptured ectopic pregnancy were recruited as cases while the controls were made up of those with uncomplicated second trimester intrauterine pregnancy. A semi-structured questionnaire containing socio-demographic and clin-ical characteristics was administered following informed consent. Five milliliters of venous blood was taken from each participant and tested for Lymphogranuloma Venerum (LGV) type 2 broadly reacting antigen of Chlamydia trachomatis. Data Analysis: Data gathered from the case notes an