Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infections in sexually active female adolescents in Warsaw

K. T. Niemiec, E. Filipp, M. Przybykowska, A. Paw?owska, U. Tarnowska- Ms~dra

Institute of Mother and Child, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Warsaw, Poland

Background: Sexually active adolescents belong to the high risk group of sexually transmitted diseases including Chlamydia trachomatis infections because of unsafe sex practices, undeveloped microbiological and functional cervix’s defensive mechanisms. Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted pathogen and a major cause of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Objectives: To determine prevalence Chlamydia trachomatis infections among sexually active female adolescents in Warsaw.

Materials and Methods: 696 sexually active girls 16 ? 19 years old attending outpatient clinic of the Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw from January 2003 till January 2005 were enrolled to this study. Chlamydia tests were performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Patients diagnosed with Chlamydia cerivicitis and their sexual partners were treated a single 1,0 g dose of azithromycin. Data were statistically analyzed.

Results: The prevalence of CT genital infection in the study group was 4,1%.

Conclusions: There is no complete information about prevalence of Chlamydia infection in Polish teenagers’ population. The chlamydial infection in adolescence may bring very important consequences for the whole lifetime, including infertility. Therefore we recommend screening that would give more information about prevalence of this infection in Poland. We also recommend education aimed at adolescents stressing out the necessity of safe sexual behavior.