Antibody Titration of Sera Positive to CCFA of Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection in Primary Health Care Centres in Ukwuani L.G.A, Delta State.

Abstract

Chlamydia trachomatis is a major public health concern and is one of the leading causes of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and infertility worldwide. A community-based crosssectional study was used to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among patients attending selected Primary Health Care facilities in Ukwuani Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria from January 2023 to February 2025. Venous blood and Endocervical swab samples were collected from consenting male and female patients. Antigens against all the three species of Chlamydia were prepared as life antigen in the laboratory. Giemsa staining technique was used to observe chlamydia and chlamydia inclusion bodies under the oil immersion objective lens (x100). Using cell culture fluorescence assay (CCFA), blood and endocervical samples were screened for Chlamydia complement-fixing antibodies (CCFA) using a speciesspecific antibody spot test kit and rapid point-of-care testing (POCT). Antibody titration revealed titres ranging from 1:8 to 1:1024, with the majority of cases showing moderate titres (1:16–1:64), suggesting recent infections. High titres (≥1:256) were detected in some older age groups, indicating possible chronic or recurrent infections. Chlamydia species isolated using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were Chlamydia trachomatis at band 321bp (54.1%), Chlamydia pneumoniae at band 241 (31.6%) and Chlamydia psittaci at band 389 (10.3%) indicating co-infection. The results of the current study demonstrate that Chlamydia trachomatis is a significant public health problem that causes infertility problems. This underscores the need for targeted screening, health education, and control measures in rural communities. Seasonal trends and antibody titre distribution highlight the importance of continuous surveillance to prevent long-term complications.