Prevalence Of Genital Infection High In Young Pregnant Women

Main Category: Pregnancy / Obstetrics
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology;  Sexual Health / STDs
Article Date: 14 Feb 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Young women aged 20 or younger are more susceptible to genital Chlamydia infection which is highly detrimental to both mother and child in pregnancy. A study in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology published by Wiley-Blackwell finds age to be the most important risk factor of the Chlamydia infection and recommends that all women under 25 be screened for the disease in pregnancy.

The study "Chlamydia and Associated Factors in an Under 20s Antenatal Population" screened 212 young pregnant women to find 29 positive with the infection, making up a rate of 13.7% in this young antenatal population. This rate was even higher than the 9.4% found in women if all ages attended the same clinic.

Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection that can cause vaginal and pelvic infections. In pregnancy, Chlamydia increases the risk of premature rupture of membranes, prematurity, low birth weight and post-partum endometritis. In addition, the infection is transmittable to the baby and can cause newborn conjunctivitis and pneumonia.

Lead author, Kate Cheney says "Although most Chlamydia infections are symptom free, it is easily detectable and treatable with a single dose of antibiotics. Despite the very high rates of carriage of this infection, the disease can be readily detected and treated if all pregnant women are offered a test at the booking visit."

With national notifications trebling in the last decade, Chlamydia is now the most commonly reported sexually transmissible bacterial infection in Australia.

She adds. "Given the increasing notifications of Chlamydia across Australia, it seems prudent and in line with the National Sexually Transmissible Infections Strategy 2005-2009, to consider the inclusion of routine testing for Chlamydia at an antenatal visit. "

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ANZJOG) is an editorially independent publication owned by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) and the RANZCOG Research foundation. ANZJOG aims to provide a medium for the publication of original contributions to clinical practice and/or research in all fields of obstetrics and gynaecology and related disciplines. Articles are peer reviewed by clinicians or researchers expert in the field of the submitted work.

About Wiley-Blackwell

Wiley-Blackwell was formed in February 2007 as a result of the acquisition of Blackwell Publishing Ltd. by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., and its merger with Wiley's Scientific, Technical, and Medical business. Together, the companies have created a global publishing business with deep strength in every major academic and professional field. Wiley-Blackwell publishes approximately 1,400 scholarly peer-reviewed journals and an extensive collection of books with global appeal. For more information on Wiley-Blackwell, please visit http://www.blackwellpublishing.com or http://interscience.wiley.com.

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