Research Article

Seroprevalence and Associated Sociodemographic Risk Factors of Chlamydia trachomatis in Owerri, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection globally, contributing significantly to reproductive health complications, particularly due to its largely asymptomatic nature. Despite its widespread impact, comprehensive epidemiological data, especially from regions like Nigeria, remain limited. Objective: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of C. trachomatis infection and its association with sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 518 participants (318 symptomatic, 200 asymptomatic) recruited from the Federal Medical Center, Owerri, between September 2018 and September 2019. Serum samples were collected and analyzed for C. trachomatis IgG antibodies using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). A structured questionnaire collected data onsocio demographic factors and risk behaviors. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 2.0, with the Chi-square test to determine associations, and P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The overall seroprevalence of C. trachomatis IgG antibodies was 6.8%. Prevalence was 5.4% in symptomatic subjects and 8.0% in asymptomatic subjects, with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). Females showed a higher prevalence (8.3%) than males (5.0%), though this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.238). While age group trends were observed (e.g., highest prevalence in 15-20 symptomatic and 21-25 asymptomatic groups), age was not significantly associated with infection (P=0.805). A statistically significant association was found between Chlamydia infection and age at first sexual intercourse (P<0.05), with 89.5% of symptomatic positive participants having their first sexual encounter at or before 20 years. Socioeconomic factors (education, occupation, income), condom use, number  of sexual partners, marital status, and history of STIs did not show statistically significant associations with Chlamydia infection in this study (P>0.05 for all). Conclusion: The study revealed a C. trachomatis seroprevalence of 6.8% in Owerri, with a notable asymptomatic burden. The significant association between infection and early age at first sexual intercourse highlights a critical risk factor. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions, focusing on awareness, early detection, and prevention strategies, particularly for young, sexually active populations in resource-limited settings.