J Reprod Infert arij001 Journal of Reproduction & Infertility 2228-5482 2251-676X Avicenna Research Institute jri374 Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Pregnant Women KhezerdoustSoghraVali-e- Asar Reproductive Health Research Center,Tehran Medical Sciences University, Tehran, IranHaghollahiFedyehVali-e- Asar Reproductive Health Research Center,Tehran Medical Sciences University, Tehran, IranRoostaieSaminImam Khomeini Complex Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranBadamiNaserFaculty of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranNaghizadehMohammad MehdiVali-e- Asar Reproductive Health Research Center,Tehran Medical Sciences University, Tehran, IranJafarabadiMinaVali-e- Asar Reproductive Health Research Center,Tehran Medical Sciences University, Tehran, Iran 10 2 121 129 16 3 2009 21 6 2009

Introduction: Chlamydial infections are the most common sexually transmitted diseases with highest rates of morbidity in different societies. Chlamydia trachomatis is a known causative agent for premature rapture of membranes (PROM), preterm labor, miscarriage, low birth weight and neonatal death, and forms a copious burden of disease in many countries. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence, outcome and risk factors of chlamydial infections.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was done on 1114 pregnant women in their 11th to 32nd week of gestation who attended the hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences during March 2007 to March 2009. Serum levels of IgG anti-chlamydial antibody were measured by ELIZA method, upon taking a thorough medical history.Results: Positive results for chlamydia IgG were seen in 2.9% of the cases. Chlamydia infection was 2.3 times greater in multiparous women compared to primigravids, (95% CI, 1.1- 4.8). Chorioamnionitis and neonatal death were respectively 4.7 (p=0.027) and 11.6 (p=0.008) times more prevalent in IgG-positive group compared to women without the infection.Conclusion: A relatively low prevalence of chlamydial infection was observed in the studied population. Further studies in different groups of pregnant women, especially in cases attending private health sector, are recommended to be done in order to justify the necessity of routine Chlamydia screening in pregnancy and the obligation for preventive care measurements in Iranian pregnant women.