Seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis IgA, IgM and IgG Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors among Sexually Active Individuals at Saint Vincent de Paul Hospital in Dschang, West Cameroon
Thomas Djifack Tadongfack *
Saint Vincent de Paul Hospital Dschang, Cameroon P.O.Box: 11 Dschang-Cameroon and Hope For Nations, Dschang, Cameroon and Institute of Medico-sanitary Sciences and Techniques Bafoussam, P.O.Box: 1632 Bafoussam Cameroon and Professional School of Health “Les Etoiles” of Bafoussam, P.O.Box 1043 Bafoussam, Cameroon.
Irina Lydia Sudeu Nitcheu
School of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Central Africa, Yaoundé, P.O Box: 1110 Yaoundé Cameroon.
Rodrigue Ngoune
Polyvalent Health Training Complex MBOUO Bandjoun, Po.Box :27 Bandjoun-Cameroon.
Vanessa Rosine Nkouayep
Research Unit of Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, P.O.Box: 67 Dschang, Cameroon.
Aline Camerl Nzeffouo Selabi
School of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Central Africa, Yaoundé, P.O Box: 1110 Yaoundé Cameroon.
Viany Nankeng Manhafo
Our Lady of Health Centre Batseng'la Dschang, P.O.Box:11 Dschang, Cameroun.
Blanche Lydie Bebe Moussango Enangue
Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon P.O.Box: 67 Dschang, Cameroon and Hope For Nations, Dschang, Cameroon.
Romeo Hervis Tedjieu
Institute of Medico-sanitary Sciences and Techniques Bafoussam, P.O.Box: 1632 Bafoussam Cameroon.
Carine Tsoplifak Kenfack
Dschang District Hospital P.O.Box: 12 Dschang, Cameroon
François Roger Nguepy Keubo
Lecturer of private higher institute of health; Nurse; St Vincent de Paul Hospital Dschang/Cameroun and President Synergie d’Action pour la Recherche, l’Intervention en Sciences Psychologiques et Sante (SARISPSY-SANTE)/Cameroun.
Monique Odette Kamtchueng
Laboratory of Microbiology and Antimicrobial Substances, Faculty of science, University of Dschang, P.O.Box 67 Dschang, Cameroon and Professional School of Health “Les Etoiles” of Bafoussam, P.O.Box 1043 Bafoussam, Cameroon.
Michael Junior Piameu Chadou
School of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Central Africa, Yaoundé, P.O Box: 1110 Yaoundé Cameroon.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common cause of sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Infections caused by this pathogen are usually symptomatic in men and asymptomatic in about 2/3 of women resulting in a variety of clinical complications.
Aim: To determine the seroprevalence of immunological markers and the risk factors associated with the seropositivity to C. trachomatis infection in sexually active individuals visiting the Saint Vincent de Paul Hospital in Dschang, West region Cameroon
Study Design: This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted between July and September 2020 at Saint Vincent de Paul Hospital in Dschang, Cameroon.
Methods: A total of 154 participants were recruited during the data collection period. An indirect ELISA method was used to analyse participant’s serum samples. Risk factors were assessed through univariate and multivariate logistic regression using SPSS 25.
Results: The seroprevalence of C. trachomatis infection was 38.3% (95%CI: 30.6 - 46.0). Only 39.6% (95%CI: 31.6 - 47.3) of the study population had never been in contact with the bacterium. The reinfection rate among participants was 8.4% (95%CI: 4.0 - 12.8). Results revealed that being Male is a protective factor against the infection [aOR: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.03 - 0.56; P ꞊ .007]. The non-use of condom [aOR: 21.58; 95% CI: 3.53 – 132.06; P ꞊ .001] and having encountered three or more sexual partners [aOR: 9.90; 95%CI: 1.07 – 91.60; P ꞊ .043] were the significant predictors of Chlamydia seropositivity.
Conclusion: The implementation of proactive strategies to curb down the spread of the infection is necessary in this locality. This can be done by providing NAATs to as many health facilities as possible, educating the population and standardizing treatment protocols.
Keywords: Chlamydia trachomatis, Antibodies, Seroprevalence, ELISA, risk factors