THE FREQUENCY AND THE ROLE OF CHLAMYDIA-TRACHOMATIS INFECTION IN PREMATURE LABOR

Objective: The importance of Chlamydia trachomatis (C. tr.) infection in the etiology of premature labor was examined in a prospective, repr esentative, multicenter study. Method: Specimens were collected from 6 161 subjects in seven centers and examined by the Gen-Probe method. Re sults: The infection rate was 5.74%. There were no significant correla tions between low birth weight, premature rupture of the membranes, dy smaturity and C. tr. infection. In cases of threatening premature labo r, the infection rate was significantly higher in C. tr.-positive pati ents. In the event of combined low birth weight and perinatal death, t he maternal C. tr. infection rate was significantly higher than in nor mal pregnancies. C. h.-positive patients treated with roxithromycin ha d term deliveries. A correlation between poor social circumstances and a high C. tr, infection rate could be proved. Conclusion: Cases with a poor obstetric history and/or socially high-risk patients should be screened for C. tr. infection, and in positive cases treatment is reco mmended. (C) 1998 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetric s.