Induced abortion: Chlamydia trachomatis and postabortal complications

Abstract

The overall prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis among 873 abortion-seeking women was 9.3% during 1985. Significantly higher age-specific prevalences of C. trachornatis occurred among younger women (pC. trachomatis before the abortion was carried out, was readmitted to the hospital. Of 64 Chlamydia-positive women, who commenced treatment within the first 2 weeks after the abortion was carried out, 14.1% were readmitted to the hospital, compared with 5.7% of Chlamydia-negative women (p < 0.02). Postabortal salpingitis was verified at readmission among 10.9% of Chlamydia-positive women and 3.2% of Chlamydia-negative women (p < 0.01). An analysis of screening of all abortion-seeking women is estimated to be worthwhile when the prevalence of C. trachomatis exceeds 4.3%. We recommend screening for Chlamdyia trachomatis of all abortion-seeking women, 30 years or younger, at the preabortion visit, provided that treatment can be completed before the abortion is carried out.