1.1 Introduction
Chlamydia is the most common infection in the world and a serious public health concern. The causal organism of chlamydia is Chlamydia trachomatis (Vranic, 2012). The reservoirs for Chlamydia trachomatis are the vaginal secretions of infected women and the semen of infected men (Breguet, 2007). About 70% of chlamydia infections are asymptomatic and go undiagnosed until they are screened for, which is a serious problem (Carey et al., 2010). Chlamydia trachomatis, however, is a factor in urinary tract infections (UTI) in males, including non-gonococcal urethritis and post-gonococcal urethritis. These UTIs can escalate into more complex forms, resulting in young men's epididymis experiencing persistent discomfort and swelling (Bébéar et al., 2009).
This chapter will address the background information that motivated this study, the challenges that prompted it, its aim, and its objectives as a preface to subsequent sections of the study. Additional factors include the study's significance, scope, limitations, research questions and hypotheses, and the definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Chlamydiae are small gram-negative obligate intracellular microorganisms that preferentially infect squamocolumnar epithelial cell (Google, 2010). Chlamydia is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease resulting in urethritis, with frequencies exceeding those of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. in the United State for instance, roughly four million cases are reported annually mostly occurring in men and women under the age of 25 (Barners, 1990).
In Nigeria and indeed most developed nation, majority of the reported cases urethritis are diagnosed as being caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, StaphyLococcus aureus and streptococcus Spp. This could be attributed to inadequate facilities to establish proper test for the diagnosis of chamydia infection. As a result, cases of urethritis are wrongly diagnosed and treated. This calls for proper research work to establish the major aetiologic agent of urethritis. This will go a long to aid prompt treatment of reoccurring urethritis resulting from wrong diagnosis and treatment.
According to the centers of disease control and prevention (CDC), chlamydia is the most common bacteria infection in the United State. About 1.1 million new cases were reported in 2007. However, because as many as 75% of infected women and 50% Infected men do not experience symptoms of infection, the CDC estimates that up to 2.8 million new cases may occur each year in the United States. Chlamydia is most prevalent among teenagers. Nearly 75% of all new cases occur in women under the age of 25. By age 30, 50% of sexually active women have been exposed to Chlamydia. Non-gonococcal urethritis is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted disease in men in the United States.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Prevalence of Chlamydia Infection.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that Chlamydia is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection in the world, making it a major public health problem (WHO, 2012). Chlamydia trachomatis causes urethritis and cervicitis in women (Bébéar et al., 2009). Infected women may experience a mucopurulent vaginal discharge and even bleeding during and after sexual intercourse (Bébéar et al., 2009). And if not treated, it can result in complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease PID which leads to infertility and ectopic pregnancy (Rogstad, 2008).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to determine the Prevalence of Chlamydia Infection. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To ascertain the age distribution of the infection;
- To determine the sex distribution of the infection; and
- To make recommendations on how to control or eradicate the infection.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- How can Chlamydia infection be controlled or eradicated?
- What is the age distribution of the infection?
- What is the sex distribution of the infection?
