From Pap Smear to Dual Testing: Assessing Co-infection of HPV and Chlamydia trachomatis in the Cervical Screening Programme of Khartoum State- Sudan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64149/Keywords:
human papillomavirus; Chlamydia trachomatis; cervical screening; co-infection; SudanAbstract
Background: Cervical cancer remains a leading public health concern in Sudan. Beyond high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), co-infection with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) may influence disease progression. This study evaluated the prevalence of CT–HPV co-infection and its association with cytological abnormalities among women in Khartoum State.
Methods: In a cross-sectional design, 236 sexually active women aged ≥18 were recruited at the Omdurman Cervical Cancer Prevention Centre (June–December 2024). Cervical samples underwent Pap smear and PCR-based detection of high-risk HPV genotypes and CT. Associations with cytological outcomes were assessed via Chi-square tests.
Results: The mean participant age was 38 ± 10.2 years. Abnormal cytology was observed in 57.2% (n = 135). The prevalence of high-risk HPV was 41.9% (99/236), CT prevalence was 12.3% (29/236), and co-infection prevalence was 7.6% (18/236). HPV and CT positivity correlated significantly with lesion severity (χ² = 148.7 and 21.9, respectively; p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Integrated CT–HPV co-screening could enhance early detection of at-risk women in Sudan. Further, longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify causal pathways and inform cervical cancer prevention programs.
