Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in Sexually Active Young Adults in Lagos State Using Nucleic Acid Amplification

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection globally and frequently causes asymptomatic genital infections that can result in serious reproductive complications if undetected. This cross-sectional study detected C. trachomatis in sexually active young adults aged 18 to 35 years attending family planning and reproductive health clinics at Lagos Island General Hospital, Lagos State, in the South West geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Endocervical and urethral swab specimens were collected from 200 consenting participants. Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed as the gold standard diagnostic method. The overall prevalence of C. trachomatis was 14.5 percent. Women had a significantly higher positivity rate than men. Asymptomatic infection was documented in 79 percent of positive cases. Multiple sexual partners in the past year and inconsistent condom use were the most significant risk factors identified. These findings reveal a substantial hidden burden of chlamydial infection among young adults in Lagos and highlight the limitations of symptom-based screening approaches. The study recommends universal NAAT-based screening at sexual health clinics, integration of chlamydia testing into routine reproductive health services, and sustained comprehensive sexuality education in Lagos State. Keywords: Chlamydia trachomatis, sexually transmitted infection, NAAT, Lagos, reproductive health.