• Investigation of the Association Between Chlamydia trachomatis Infections and the Risk of Cervical Cancer
  • Reza Emadi,1,*
    1. 1. Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Arak Branch, Arak, Iran


  • Introduction: Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignancies affecting women worldwide. Numerous studies have suggested a potential link between infections with Chlamydia trachomatis, a common sexually transmitted bacterium, and the development of cervical cancer. This study aims to investigate the correlation between Chlamydia trachomatis infections and the risk of cervical cancer in a specific population sample.
  • Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving a sample size of 500 participants, including 400 women and 100 men, recruited from several healthcare centers. The mean age of the participants was 34.5 years. Participants underwent screening for Chlamydia trachomatis infection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, and cervical cancer risk was assessed through Pap smears and histological examinations.
  • Results: Out of 400 women, 150 tested positive for Chlamydia trachomatis. Among these, 30 women were diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), a precursor to cervical cancer, and 10 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer. In the group of 250 women who tested negative for Chlamydia trachomatis, 15 were diagnosed with CIN and 3 with cervical cancer. No cases of cervical cancer were detected among the men, and 20 men tested positive for Chlamydia trachomatis.
  • Conclusion: The study found a statistically significant association between Chlamydia trachomatis infection and an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. Women infected with Chlamydia trachomatis were more likely to develop cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer compared to those who were not infected. These findings underscore the importance of regular screening and early detection of Chlamydia trachomatis to potentially reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
  • Keywords: Chlamydia trachomatis, cervical cancer, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, cancer risk