Epidemiological Profile Of Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection In Low-Income Pregnant Women In Kinshasa

Abstarct Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). In 2020, an estimated 128.5 million new CT infections were reported among adults worldwide. The global prevalence was 4.0% in women and 2.5% in men. Young adults are the most frequently infected. This bacterial STI is often asymptomatic but can lead to serious complications, particularly in pregnant women. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and sociodemographic profile of CT infection in pregnant women living in resource-limited settings. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study between June 2023 and december 2023 in a maternity ward located west of Kinshasa in an impoverished area with a low-income population. During the study period, we collected 239 cervical swab samples from pregnant women. CT DNA was extracted using the QIAamp DNA Mini Kit. Molecular diagnosis was performed by amplification of a 201 bp fragment of bacterial 16S rDNA from the cryptic plasmid. Results The age group most affected by CT in our cohort was 25 to 35 years (65.83%); married women were more represented than single women (83.22% versus 16.77%). The incidence of CT infection was 18%. The most common vaginal symptoms associated with the infection were vaginal itching and abnormal vaginal discharge, while the most common hypogastric symptom was chronic pelvic pain. Prematurity and spontaneous abortions were the most frequently observed pregnancy complications. Conclusion Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection is common among pregnant women living in poverty in Kinshasa. The infection particularly affects the most sexually active age group. It is associated with vaginal and hypogastric symptoms, as well as complications related to the progression of the pregnancy.