Abstract
Objective. To assess the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and its relationship to age, ethnicity, symptomatology, pregnancy location and viability in women attending an Early Pregnancy Unit. Method. Women were offered screening for Chlamydia over a 4-month period. Presenting complaints, maternal age, ethnic origin, gestational age, pregnancy location, pregnancy viability and swab results were recorded. Results. One thousand, one hundred and one women were offered screening. Nine hundred and sixteen (83.2%) agreed to participate. Eight hundred and six (88.0%) had readable swabs. The prevalence of Chlamydia was 2.2% (95% CI: 1.4–3.5) (18/806). The prevalence in those <25 years of age was 8.7% (95% CI: 5.1–14.3). Prevalence was higher in black women compared to Asian or Caucasian women. The prevalence of Chlamydia in symptomatic and asymptomatic women was 2.3% (12/521) and 2.1% (6/285), respectively, p>0.166. There was no significant difference in the final early pregnancy outcome in women with or without Chlamydia. Conclusion. Currently Chlamydia screening is not advised in Early Pregnancy Units as the women are thought to be of low risk; however, there are subgroups that are at relatively high risk. Screening this population is therefore important. There is, however, no difference in pregnancy location and viability in women with or without Chlamydia.