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Local Markers for Prediction of Women at Higher Risk of Developing Sequelae to Chlamydia trachomatis Infection
Author(s) -
Agrawal Tanvi,
Vats Vikas,
Salhan Sudha,
Mittal Aruna
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
american journal of reproductive immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.071
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1600-0897
pISSN - 1046-7408
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2006.00459.x
Subject(s) - chlamydia trachomatis , fertility , chlamydia , medicine , odds ratio , serology , immunology , chlamydiales , c reactive protein , pelvic inflammatory disease , antibody , confounding , gynecology , obstetrics , population , inflammation , environmental health
Problem Chlamydial infections are often associated with various fertility‐related disorders. Serological prediction of these has limitations, as they do not differentiate between past and current infections. Thus, we looked for local markers that could predict more precisely women at higher risk of developing severe complications. Method of study A total of 320 Chlamydia trachomatis positive women with or without fertility disorders were tested for the prevalence of immunoglobulin A antibodies to synthetic peptides of chlamydial heat‐shock protein 60 (cHSP60) and cHSP10 along with cervical interferon‐gamma (IFN‐ γ ) and serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels. Results Positive IFN‐ γ level was the single best predictor for fertility disorder [odds ratio (OR) 15.4]. The predictive value of IFN‐ γ could be significantly improved only by the addition of CRP test (OR 37.9). Conclusion Positive IFN‐ γ levels in cervical washes along with elevated CRP levels could be used to predict women who are at higher risk of developing fertility disorders.