CHLAMYDIAL CERVICAL INFECTIONS IN RURAL AND URBAN PREGNANT-WOMEN

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the incidence of ce rvicitis due to Chlamydia trachomatis in rural pregnant women, urban p regnant women, and urban nonpregnant women in Georgia. Evaluation of e ndocervical chlamydial cultures from 447 women showed prevalence rates for C trachomatis cervicitis of 12% in the urban pregnant group, 7% i n urban nonpregnant women, and 21% in rural pregnant women. Fewer rura l pregnant women (2%) reported a previous history of C trachomatis cer vicitis than urban pregnant women (9%) and urban nonpregnant women (19 %). Data from this study imply that screening for C trachomatis may be done less frequently in rural women than in urban women. The high pre valence of C trachomatis infection observed in rural pregnant women em phasizes the importance of routinely screening this group as currently recommended. Laboratory testing for C trachomatis may be overlooked b ecause of insufficient funds and an emphasis on other sexually transmi tted diseases.