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High Prevalence and Genotypic Diversity of Persistent Chlamydia trachomatis Infections Among South African Adolescent Girls and Young Women: A Tale of Two Cities

Dabee, S.; Barnabas, S.; Versteeg, B.; Kullin, B.; Jaumdally, S.; Gamieldien, H.; Mkhize, N.; Muller, E.; Maseko, V.; Gill, K.; Martin, D.; Gray, G.; Bekker, L.-G.; Lewis, D.; Jaspan, H.; Bruisten, S.; Passmore, J.-A.

2025-01-17 sexual and reproductive health
10.1101/2025.01.17.25320646 medRxiv
Show abstract

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection globally, significantly affecting adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in South Africa. This study investigated CT prevalence and genotypic diversity among 298 AGYW from Cape Town and Johannesburg, revealing an overall prevalence of 29.5%. Prevalence was higher in Cape Town (41.6%) compared to Johannesburg (17.4%; p<0.0001). Genetic analysis identified 34 sequence types, including 15 novel variants. Longitudinal data highlighted frequent reinfections or persistent infections despite treatment. These findings underscore the importance of addressing CTs genetic diversity for improved reproductive health strategies and vaccine development. SummaryChlamydia trachomatis infection is highly prevalent and asymptomatic among South African adolescent girls and young women, with marked regional and genotypic diversity. Frequent persistence or reinfection highlights the need for improved screening, surveillance, and targeted prevention strategies.

Published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases (predicted rank #1) · training set

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