Chlamydia trachomatis Seroepidemiology and Associated Factors in Fertility Treatment–Seeking Patients in the Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Purpose This study was designed to investigate the seroepidemiology of and identify factors associated with exposure to Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) in fertility treatment–seeking patients in Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates. Methods A total of 308 fertility treatment–seeking patients were surveyed. Seroprevalence of past (IgG positive), current/acute (IgM positive), and active infection (IgA positive) with C. trachomatis was quantified. Factors associated with exposure to C. trachomatis were identified. Results Overall, 19.0%, 5.2%, and 1.6% found to have past, acute/recent, and ongoing active infection with C. trachomatis, respectively. Overall, 22.0% of the patients were seropositive to any of the 3 to C. trachomatis antibodies. Male compared with female patients (45.7% vs. 18.9%, P < 0.001) and current/ex-smokers compared with nonsmokers (44.4% vs. 17.8%) had higher seropositivity. Patients with a history of pregnancy loss had higher seropositivity compared with other patients (27.0% vs. 16.8%), particularly recurrent pregnancy losses (33.3%). Current smoking (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.32–11.04) and history of pregnancy loss (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.5–5.8) were significantly associated with higher odds of exposure to C. trachomatis. Conclusions The observed high seroprevalence of C. trachomatis, particularly in patients with a history of pregnancy loss, possibly indicates the contribution of C. trachomatis to the growing burden of infertility in the United Arab Emirates.