The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among women in Split and Dalmatia Country

Chlamydia trachomatis, sićušna obligatna unutarstanična gram-negativna bakterija, najčešći je uzročnik bakterijskih spolno prenosivih bolesti u svijetu. Kod 70% žena i 50% muškaraca infekcija ovom bakterijom javlja se bez simptoma što uzrokuje odgođenu dijagnozu, neprestano širenje zaraze te povećava rizik za razvoj dugoročnih problema s reproduktivnim zdravljem. Najugroženija skupina je mlađa ženska seksualno aktivna populacija (20-25 godina). Cilj provedenog istraživanja bio je odrediti učestalost klamidijske infekcije kod žena Splitsko-dalmatinske županije te prevalenciju infekcije kod rizične skupine (žene mlađe od 25 godina). Također, na osnovu dobivenih rezultata zaključiti da li je potrebno uvođenje metode probira kod najugroženije skupine. Uzorci 1000 asimptomatskih žena analizirani su metodom realtime PCR. Učestalost klamidijske infekcije u populaciji asimptomatskih žena Splitskodalmatinske županije iznosila je 2%. Pokazana je statistički značajna razlika prevalencije infekcije kod žena mlađih od 25 godina, koje su rizična skupina za komplikacije klamidijske infekcije, poteškoće u trudnoći i sterilitet, u odnosu na žene starije od 25 godina. Također, pokazalo se kako drugi mikroorganizmi u donjem dijelu spolnog sustava žena pogoduju klamidijskoj infekciji, osobito statistički značajni podaci su bili infekcija HPVa s C. trachomatis. S obzirom da je klamidijska infekcija uglavnom asimptomatska, a pravovremena dijagnoza i liječenje znatno smanjuju prijenos zaraze i moguće komplikacije, preporuča se uvođenje metode probira najugroženije populacije (mlađi od 25 godina). Infekcija C.trachomatis je glavni preventibilni čimbenik razvoja steriliteta u žena zbog čega je probir žena mlađih od 25 godina svrstan među najkorisnije i najisplativije preventivne strategije kod steriliteta.Chlamydia trachomatis, a tiny obligate intracellular gram-negative bacterium, is the most common cause of bacterial sexually transmitted diseases in the world. In 70% of women and 50% of men, infection with this bacterium occurs without symptoms which causes delayed diagnosis, constant spread of infection and increases the risk of developing long-term problems with reproductive health. The most vulnerable group is the younger female sexually active population (20-25 years old). The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of chlamydial infection among women in Split and Dalmatia Country and prevalence of infection in the risk group (women under 25 years of age). Also, on the basis of the obtained results, conclude whether it is necessary to introduce a screening method for the most vulnerable group. The samples of 1000 asymptomatic women were analyzed by the realtime PCR method. The prevalence of chlamydial infection in the population of asymptomatic women in Split and Dalmatia Country was 2%. A statistically significant difference in the prevalence of infection in women under 25 years of age, who are a risk group for chlamydial infection complications, pregnancy difficulties and sterility, was shown compared to women over 25 years of age. Also, it was shown that other microorganisms in the lower part of the female genital system favor chlamydial infection, particulary statistically significent dana were HPV infection with C. trachomatis. Given that chlamydial infection is mostly asymptomatic, and timely diagnosis and treatment significantly reduce the transmission of infection and possible complication, it is recommended to introduce a screening method for the most vulnerable population (under 25 years of age). Chlamydial infection is the main preventable factor in the development of sterility in women, which is why the screening of women under 25 years of age is classified as one of the most useful and cost-effective preventive strategies for sterility