Seroprevalence of anti-Chlamydia trachomatis IgA antibody in a Nigerian population: diagnostic significance and implications for the heterosexual transmission of HIV.

摘要

The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection was determined in 102 Nigerians, comprising 69 volunteers of unknown HIV status (group 1) 17 screened HIV – seropositive subjects (group 2), 16 screened HIV – seronegative subjects (group 3) using an EIA kit capable of differential detection of IgA antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) in human serum. The prevalence of Ct in group 1 was 33% (23/69), while the prevalence in groups 2 and 3 were 50% (8/16) and 17.6% (3/17), respectively. The relatively high prevalence in group 1 is attributable to a number of risky sexual behaviours, like non-use of barriers and multiple sex partners that were common in the subjects. Because untreated Ct infection could predispose to HIV infection, such high prevalence could have additional health implications for the heterosexual transmission of HIV in Nigeria. Thus, current HIV control strategies in the country should include management of other STIs including Chlamydia trachomatis.