Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in eye specimens of patients suspected of having viral keratitis: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) is a major global health concern, recognized among the leading bacterial causes of sexually transmitted infections and implicated in ocular diseases. Its association with chronic follicular conjunctivitis and severe papillary inflammation underscores the importance of accurate identification in diagnosing trachoma. This study evaluated the prevalence of C. trachomatis in patients suspected to viral keratitis referred to the lab and comparing four different eye specimen types.

Methods

This cross-sectional study (2020–2022) involved 161 suspected to viral keratitis patients referred to thet lab and checked for viral and bacterial infections (49.1 % female, 50.9 % male) at Tehran University's Clinical Virology Research Center. Tear fluid, corneal epithelium, and aqueous/vitreous humor samples were analyzed using the Qiagen Mini Blood Kit for DNA extraction and Multiplex Real-Time PCR with the Fast-track diagnostics/SIEMENS eye kit. C. trachomatis was detected in 14 patients (8.7 %), who showed clinical features such as follicular conjunctivitis, corneal neovascularization, epithelial erosions, and conjunctival scarring. Details on pathology, disease course, treatments, and outcomes are provided in.

Conclusions

This study highlights the prevalence of C. trachomatis in suspected keratitis cases, offering a comparative view across different eye specimen types. Accurate detection using molecular assays supports timely intervention and targeted treatment, improving diagnostic precision and patient outcomes.