Prevalence and Association of Chlamydia trachomatis and HIV Infections among Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Patients in Owerri, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose a significant public health threat, with a well-established synergistic relationship between Chlamydia trachomatis and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This co-infection enhances the transmission and severity of both infections, highlighting the need for further study. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and association of these two infections among symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in Owerri, Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 518 participants were enrolled in a cross-sectional study at the Federal Medical Center, Owerri. Serum samples were collected and analyzed for C. trachomatis IgG antibodies using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and for HIV using a serial rapid testing algorithm. Results: The overall prevalence of HIV was 5.0% among symptomatic subjects and 4.5% among asymptomatic subjects, with no statistically significant difference (P=0.621) between the two groups. A co-infection rate of 1.7% (9 out of 518 participants) was observed, with a significant majority of co-infected individuals being symptomatic (77.8%). Conclusion: The 1.7% co-infection rate highlights the role of C. trachomatis in facilitating HIV transmission. The lack of significant difference in HIV prevalence between symptomatic and asymptomatic groups emphasizes the need for integrated STI and HIV screening to improve early detection and prevention.