Research Article
Comparative Serological and PCR-based Detection of Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection Among Women Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Sokoto
Makun Babazhitsu*
,
Onipede Anthony Oladehinde,
Panti Abubakar Abubakar,
Bello Mohammed Alhaji,
Adegboro Boaz
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
72-80
Received:
12 November 2025
Accepted:
4 October 2026
Published:
29 October 2026
Abstract: Background: Chlamydia trachomatis infections are the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infections recognized globally. Infection is associated with increased risk of sequelae in women, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy and tubal subfertility. Molecular methods such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) are considered as gold standard and highly specific diagnostic test for its detection. This study aimed at comparing both C. trachomatis specific IgM and IgG antibody detection by ELISA with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to see the practicability of using only serological methods for routine screening and diagnosis especially in low and middle income countries. Method: Three hundred and twenty-five women of reproductive age group who were attending gynecological clinic of Usmanu Danfodiyo university Teaching Hospital Sokoto were enrolled in the study. Patients were administered questionnaires requesting information on biomedical and sociodemographic data. Endocervical specimens were collected, subjected to DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers from Inqaba Biotechnical industries, South Africa. Blood samples were also collected for indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for detection of IgG and IgM antibodies specific to C. trachomatis major outer membrane protein (MOMP). Data collected were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis using IBM Corp. Released 2015. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). Results: The overall results showed that C. trachomatis specific IgM antibody was detected in 7 (7/325) 2.2%, C. trachomatis specific IgG antibody was also detected in 5 (5/325) 1.5% using ELISA, while the rate of C. trachomatis infection confirmed by PCR was 12 (12/325) 3.7%. Using PCR as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of ELISA were 73.3% and 100% respectively. While the positive predictive value, negative predictive value was 100% and 1.3% respectively. Conclusion: C. trachomatis specific IgM and IgG antibody detection by ELISA gave comparable results in more than 70% of true positive samples detected by PCR. Thus, it suggests that they are practicable and cheaper alternatives to the molecular techniques for routine screening and diagnosis especially in low and middle income countries.
Abstract: Background: Chlamydia trachomatis infections are the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infections recognized globally. Infection is associated with increased risk of sequelae in women, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy and tubal subfertility. Molecular methods such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) are consid...
Show More
Research Article
Assessment of Alpha Fetoprotein and Cancer Antigen-125 in Chronic Liver Diseases
Fador Nimfa Geofery,
Olaniru Olumide Bamidele,
Lucius C. Imoh,
Ephron Ephraim Yerembede,
Odu Stephen Iyeje,
Orshio Augustina Dooshima,
Jeremiah Pontim Dangnap,
Kyesmen Nankyer Isah,
Idighri Omoghene Freeman,
Nnamdi Clinton Obinna,
Samuel Nwoke,
Umar Mohammed,
Solomon Matthias Gamde*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
81-91
Received:
7 July 2026
Accepted:
27 September 2026
Published:
31 October 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajlm.20261104.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Background and objectives: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a popular biomarker used for hepatocellular carcinoma, but it has poor sensitivity and specificity for other chronic liver diseases. Many studies suggest Cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) could offer better prospect. This study aimed to assess alpha-fetoprotein and cancer antigen-125 in Chronic Liver disease patients in Jos, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This is a laboratory-based analytical study. A total of 80 patients with confirmed cases of chronic liver disease were recruited from April to July 2024. Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay was used to analyse the blood samples. Results: Our data showed that the median levels of AFP and CA 125 varied significantly across the stages of liver disease. In AFP, the median levels were 3.7 ng/mL for hepatitis, 2.9 ng/mL for fibrosis, 5.7 ng/mL for cirrhosis, and 18.8 ng/mL for HCC, with a statistically significant difference across all stages (Kruskal-Wallis P = 0.049). Similarly, CA 125 levels increased progressively, with medians of 6.9 U/mL for hepatitis, 9.4 U/mL for fibrosis, 68.5 U/mL for cirrhosis, and 72.4 U/mL for HCC, demonstrating a highly significant difference across CLD stages (P < 0.005). The lack of significant impact of AFP in this regression model implies it may not play a major role in determining the progression or severity of CLD. A significant relationship between CA-125 and chronic liver disease suggests that rising CA-125 mirrors disease progression. Moreover, the regression model points to a stronger and significant role for CA-125; this indicator is more critical for assessing the severity of chronic liver diseases. Conclusion: Cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) was a more sensitive biomarker than alpha-fetoprotein in detecting chronic liver diseases.
Abstract: Background and objectives: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a popular biomarker used for hepatocellular carcinoma, but it has poor sensitivity and specificity for other chronic liver diseases. Many studies suggest Cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) could offer better prospect. This study aimed to assess alpha-fetoprotein and cancer antigen-125 in Chronic Liver ...
Show More
