The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infections in new patients at the Infertility Clinic, UOFS, Bloemfontein

Chlamydia trachomatis is a common sexually transmitted agent causing infertility. Routine screening tests or empirical antibiotic treatment of infertile couples may be justified by the prevalence of this organism. In this study the female partner of 40 consecutive infertile couples was investigated. As a screening test direct immunofluorescence (DIF) was performed on fixed smears from endocervical swabs. Of a total of 40 specimens, 11 (27.5%) were positive, 25 (62.5%) were negative and 4 (10.0%) were equivocal. DIF was repeated on smears from 3 of the last 4 patients and all 3 specimens were positive for C. trachomatis. One patient was lost to follow-up and excluded from the study. Of a total of 39 specimens the final results yielded 14 (35.9%) positive and 25 (64.1%) negative. Statistical analysis showed no correlation between the clinical history and the presence of C. trachomatis infection.