Chlamydia trachomatis Seroepidemiology and Associated Factors in Fertility Treatment-Seeking Patients in the Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates

Noor Motea Abdo, Irfan Aslam, Shazia Irfan, Junu A. George, Ahmed R. Alsuwaidi, Luai A. Ahmed, Rami H. Al-Rifai

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose This study was designed to investigate the seroepidemiology of and identify factors associated with exposure to Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) in fertility treatment-seeking patients in Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates. Methods A total of 308 fertility treatment-seeking patients were surveyed. Seroprevalence of past (IgG positive), current/acute (IgM positive), and active infection (IgA positive) with C. trachomatis was quantified. Factors associated with exposure to C. trachomatis were identified. Results Overall, 19.0%, 5.2%, and 1.6% found to have past, acute/recent, and ongoing active infection with C. trachomatis, respectively. Overall, 22.0% of the patients were seropositive to any of the 3 to C. trachomatis antibodies. Male compared with female patients (45.7% vs. 18.9%, P < 0.001) and current/ex-smokers compared with nonsmokers (44.4% vs. 17.8%) had higher seropositivity. Patients with a history of pregnancy loss had higher seropositivity compared with other patients (27.0% vs. 16.8%), particularly recurrent pregnancy losses (33.3%). Current smoking (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.32-11.04) and history of pregnancy loss (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-5.8) were significantly associated with higher odds of exposure to C. trachomatis. Conclusions The observed high seroprevalence of C. trachomatis, particularly in patients with a history of pregnancy loss, possibly indicates the contribution of C. trachomatis to the growing burden of infertility in the United Arab Emirates.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)583-590
Number of pages8
JournalSexually Transmitted Diseases
Volume50
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 1 2023

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Dermatology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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