High Prevalence and Genotypic Diversity of Persistent Chlamydia Trachomatis Infections Among South African Adolescent Girls and Young Women: A Tale of Two Cities
Dabee, Smritee Barnabas, Shaun Versteeg, Bart Kullin, Brian Jaumdally, Shameem Z Gamieldien, Hoyam Mkhize, Nonhlanhla Muller, Etienne Maseko, Venessa Gill, Katherine
Dabee, Smritee
Barnabas, Shaun
Versteeg, Bart
Kullin, Brian
Jaumdally, Shameem Z
Gamieldien, Hoyam
Mkhize, Nonhlanhla
Muller, Etienne
Maseko, Venessa
Gill, Katherine
Series / Report no.
Open Access
Type
Journal Article
Article
Article
Language
en
Date of publication
2026-04-29
Year of publication
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Title
High Prevalence and Genotypic Diversity of Persistent Chlamydia Trachomatis Infections Among South African Adolescent Girls and Young Women: A Tale of Two Cities
Translated Title
Published in
J Infect Dis 2026; 233(4):e957-e962
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection globally, significantly affecting adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in South Africa. This study investigated CT prevalence and genotypic diversity among 298 AGYW from Cape Town and Johannesburg, revealing an overall prevalence of 29.5%. Prevalence was higher in Cape Town (41.6%) compared to Johannesburg (17.4%; P < .0001). Genetic analysis identified 34 sequence types, including 15 novel variants. Longitudinal data highlighted frequent reinfections or persistent infections despite treatment. These findings underscore the importance of addressing CT's genetic diversity for improved reproductive health strategies and vaccine development.