Abstract

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are common sexually transmitted diseases among young women and little has been done to study them in Chilean adolescents. Aim: To determine the rates of C trachomatis and N gonorrhoeae in Chilean young women. Material and methods: Urine samples were obtained from 203 sexually active females under 25 year-old, who attended hospitals from either high or low income areas in Chile's capital, Santiago. C trachomatis and N gonorrhoeae were detected by nucleic acid amplification testing. Results: Seven percent of samples were positive for C trachomatis. All samples were negative for N gonorrhoeae. Among pregnant women, 19% of samples were positive for C trachomatis, while non pregnant women were positive on 5.5% (p=0.04). Systematic use of barrier contraception was referred by 12% of women. All of the latter were free of C trachomatis. No association was observed between age, number of sexual partners, age of first sexual intercourse, presence of urogynecological symptoms, socioeconomic status and the rate of C trachomatis. Conclusions: Seven percent of this group of Chilean young women was infected with C trachomatis. The figure rises to 19% if pregnant. Surveillance and screening programs should be implemented to prevent sequels on this vulnerable population.