Chlamydia trachomatis and associated risk factors among infertile males with Oligospermia and Azoospermia in Mbaitoli lga of Imo State

Abstract

Background: Globally, Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent cause of sexually transmitted infections and can result in severe  genital disease and consequently, Oligospermia and Azoospermia among males resulting in infertility in males as well as females alike.

Aim:This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and associated risk factors of oligospermia and  azoospermia among males with Oligospermia and Azoospermia (referred cases).

Materials and Methods: A Case-Control study design was adopted and 396 urethral swabs were collected from cases, while, 396 of  urethral swabs were also collected from controls. Questionnaires were also filled. The samples were analyzed using Chlamydia Rapid Test Device (CRTD), a Qualitative Lateral Flow Immunoassay for the detection of Chlamydia antigen from urethral swab. The data obtained  from both tests and questionnaires were analyzed using simple percentages, Odd ratios and Chi-square analytical statistical tools. 

Results: Out of 396 samples from cases, 183(46.2%) were infected (p<0.05), while, 213(53.8%) were not. Only 28(7.1%) were positive in the  control and 368 (92.9%) were not infected with Chlamydia. While proportions of the infected people were highest within the 22-25  years (OR=2.8) and 26-30 years (1.9) age cohorts, followed by 31-35years (OR=1.9), as 46-50 years (OR=1.4) remain the least infected.  Occupational status (p=0.001), sexual lifestyle/ partners(p=0.002), smoking (p=0.003), alcohol intake (p=0.001) and number of children  (p=0.004) by male partners were the predisposing/risk factors associated with Oligospermia and Azoospermia among the infertile men in  the study area.

Conclusion: Chlamydia infection is significantly associated with oligospermia and azoospermia among males with oligospermia and  azoospermia (infertility) and more among the younger males.