Frequency of Chlamydia trachomatis in endocervical samples of women referred toGynecology Hospital in Qazvin-Iran, by PCR-based assay

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI). Although most genital C. trachomatis infection remain asymptomatic but infection with this bacteria is leading cause of complications e.g pelvic inflammatory infection (PID) tubal factor infertility and abortion. Objectives: The objective of this study was to estimate the Frequency of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among symptomatic and asymptomatic women, by PCR-based assay. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted over the period from, May 2012 to February 2013.A total of 240 non duplicate endocervical samples were taken from married women endocervical swabs were collected from women referred to Qazvin Kowsar Gynecology Hospital by training midwife. The specimens were tested for C. trachomatis by PCR-based assay for pha gene.Results: Out of 240 participants women 184 (76.7%) were symptomatic and 56 (23.3%) were asymptomatic cases). The mean age of cases was 37.1±.0.9 years. Twenty (8.3%) of 240 samples were diagnosed as Chlamydia positive according to PCR results. The prevalence of asymptomatic C. trachomatis infections was 6(10.7%), while14 (7.6%) symptomatic cases were infected. The chi square test was not show a significant relationship between positive PCR test result and vaginosis, abortion , infertility, premature birth, low birth weight below 2.5kg. Conclusion: The results of this study showed high prevalence of C. trachomatis infection among in both symptomatic and asymptomatic women. Therefore, a screening test for C. trachomatis infection is recommended for all women who refer to genitourinary medicine clinic. Screening programs are important for cost effectiveness calculations in complication of C. trachomatis infections especially in asymptomatic cases. Keywords: Chlamydia trachomatis, PCR, endocervical sample, Iran