Studying the prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis IgG serum antibodies and associated risk factors in heterosexual men attending Tishreen University Hospital, Syria

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infection worldwide, it causes inflammation in the urogenital tract of both men and women and if not treated it can cause serious sequelae to the reproductive system including infertility. No epidemiological data of this infection is available in Syria and no specific testing methods are currently being used to diagnose it. Therefore, this study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of C. trachomatis in men and assess potential related risk factors at the biggest hospital in the Syrian coast. Ninety men were recruited for this cross-sectional study between September of 2018 and January of 2019. An oral consent was obtained, a questionnaire of demographic and behavioral risk factors was taken and a subsequent blood specimen was drawn from all participants. The presence of species-specific chlamydial serum IgG was detected using indirect ELISA. The seroprevalence of C. trachoamtis in men was 7.8% (n = 7). The highest seroprevalence was shown to be among men aged 15–30 years old. However, of all potential risk factors studies only having two or more lifetime sex partners was associated with the infection. Relatively high seroprevalence of C. trachomatis was seen in men. Therefore, the use of specific diagnostic technique for accurate detection and subsequent proper treatment of infection along with the application of screening program to test both men and women at high risk is advised.