Chlamydia trachomatis infection in pregnant women: an important risk to maternal and infant health

Chlamydia trachomatis is currently, the major cause of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. Infection prevalence peaks in women younger than 25 years. There is increasingly more evidence that infection with Chlamydia trachomatis can cause adverse pregnancy and infant health outcomes (stillbirth, premature rupture of membranes, puerperal infections, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, neonatal pneumonia and neonatal conjunctivitis). In spite of these data, few countries have a routine pregnancy screening program that would guarantee a decrease of the aftermath caused by untreated infections. The aim of this article is to review and discuss the current literature about Chlamydia trachomatis epidemiological data, screening and treatment in pregnant women. We think that the majority of these cases could be identified with the implementation of screening programs focusing this target group.