Frequency of chlamydial antibodies in patients with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates whether an increased frequency of serum antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis is found in patients with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Patients And Methods: An indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay for the detection of serum immunoglobulin G antibodies for C trachomatis was used for most patients. Forty-one female patients were evaluated. Results: Three of 41 patients (7%) had serum antibody titers that were considered positive for active C trachomatis infection. Eleven patients (27%) were considered to have had a past infection based on the immunoglobulin G or immunoglobulin A titer results. Using the binomial test, we found that the probability of observing 14 positive results (34%) was significant (P < .0001). Conclusions: An increase in the frequency of serum antibodies to C trachomatis was found in patients with internal derangement of the TMJ. Serologic testing for antibodies to bacteria associated with reactive arthritis might be useful in the evaluation of patients with internal derangement of the TMJ.(Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2001;91:287-92)