1. Screening for chlamydia trachomatis infection in pregnant women in Martinique
- Author
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Chout, Roger T., Vaton, S., Duval-Violton, D., Leguyader-Despres, P., and Orfila, J.
- Subjects
Martinique -- Health aspects ,Chlamydia infections -- Diagnosis ,Medical screening -- Evaluation ,Health - Abstract
Routinely testing for chlamydia infections in pregnant women may be a cost-effective way to control the spread of this disease in high-risk areas. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted bacterial disease affecting the cervix and urinary tract. Chlamydia infection rates of pregnant widely vary around the world, from 2% to 50%. Pregnant women with chlamydia can experience complications with present and future deliveries. Infants born to women with chlamydia may have middle ear infections, lung diseases, or may die. Researchers tested and interviewed 1411 pregnant women for chlamydia infection on the intermediately developed island of Martinique. Nearly 27% of these women tested positive for chlamydia. Risk factors associated with this disease were having first intercourse before age 18, age less than 25 years, previous abortions, cervical infections, and previous candida infections. Treating complicated chlamydia infections during pregnancy could cost as much as 5 times that of testing and routine treatment.
- Published
- 1995