Chlamydial Antibodies Research Articles

Clinical, diagnostic and pathologic features of presumptive cases of Chlamydia pecorum-associated arthritis in Australian sheep flocks.

BackgroundArthritis is an economically significant disease in lambs and is usually the result of a bacterial infection. One of the known agents of this disease is Chlamydia pecorum, a globally recognised livestock pathogen associated with several diseases in sheep, cattle and other hosts. Relatively little published information is available on the clinical, diagnostic and pathologic features of C. pecorum arthritis in sheep, hindering efforts to enhance our understanding of this economically significant disease. In this case series, a combination of standard diagnostic testing used routinely by veterinarians, such as the Chlamydia complement fixation text (CFT), veterinary clinical examinations, and additional screening via C. pecorum specific qPCR was used to describe putative chlamydial infections in five sheep flocks with suspected ovine arthritis.Case presentationFive separate cases involving multiple lambs (aged six to ten months) of different breeds with suspected C. pecorum arthritis are presented. In two of the five cases, arthritic lambs exhibited marked depression and lethargy. Arthritis with concurrent conjunctivitis was present in four out of five lamb flocks examined. Chlamydia CFT demonstrated medium to high positive antibody titres in all flocks examined. C. pecorum shedding was evident at multiple sites including the conjunctiva, rectum and vagina, as determined via qPCR. Two of the five flocks received antimicrobials and all flocks recovered uneventfully regardless of treatment.ConclusionThis case series highlights the features a field veterinarian may encounter in cases of suspected ovine chlamydial arthritis. Our analysis suggests a presumptive diagnosis of chlamydial arthritis in lambs can be made when there is evidence of joint stiffness with or without synovial effusion and elevated chlamydia antibody titres. C. pecorum-specific qPCR was found to be a useful ancillary diagnostic tool, detecting Chlamydia positivity in low or negative CFT titre animals. Variables such as symptom duration relative to sampling, sheep breed and farm management practices were all factors recorded that paint a complex epidemiological and diagnostic picture for this disease. These case studies serve to provide a platform for further research to improve diagnostic testing and new treatment and control strategies for C. pecorum infections in sheep.

Role of chlamydia antibody by using microimmunofluorescence in detection of tubal disease in infertile females

Role of chlamydia antibody by using microimmunofluorescence in detection of tubal disease in infertile females

The presence of Chlamydia phage PhiCPG1 capsid protein VP1 genes and antibodies in patients infected with Chlamydia trachomatis

Chlamydia phage PhiCPG1 has been found in Chlamydia caviae in a guinea pig model for inclusion conjunctivitis, raising the possibility that Chlamydia phage is also present in patients infected with C. trachomatis (Ct). In the present study, we assayed for presence of Chlamydia phage capsid protein VP1 genes and antibodies in 84 non-Ct controls and 206 Ct patients using an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), followed by verification with Western blot. None of the subjects were exposed to an antibiotic treatment or had a C. pneumoniae infection. The VP1 antibody test was positive in both, the ELISA and Western blot assay, in 4 Ct patients. PCR amplification experiments revealed presence of the VP1 gene in 5 Ct patients. The results suggest that Chlamydia phage capsid protein VP1 may exist in some Ct patients.

A Multi-Component Prime-Boost Vaccination Regimen with a Consensus MOMP Antigen Enhances Chlamydia trachomatis Clearance.

A vaccine for Chlamydia trachomatis is of urgent medical need. We explored bioinformatic approaches to generate an immunogen against C. trachomatis that would induce cross-serovar T-cell responses as (i) CD4(+) T cells have been shown in animal models and human studies to be important in chlamydial protection and (ii) antibody responses may be restrictive and serovar specific. A consensus antigen based on over 1,500 major outer membrane protein (MOMP) sequences provided high epitope coverage against the most prevalent C. trachomatis strains in silico. Having designed the T-cell immunogen, we assessed it for immunogenicity in prime-boost regimens. This consensus MOMP transgene was delivered using plasmid DNA, Human Adenovirus 5 (HuAd5) or modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vectors with or without MF59(®) adjuvanted recombinant MOMP protein. Different regimens induced distinct immune profiles. The DNA-HuAd5-MVA-Protein vaccine regimen induced a cellular response with a Th1-biased serum antibody response, alongside high serum and vaginal MOMP-specific antibodies. This regimen significantly enhanced clearance against intravaginal C. trachomatis serovar D infection in both BALB/c and B6C3F1 mouse strains. This enhanced clearance was shown to be CD4(+) T-cell dependent. Future studies will need to confirm the specificity and precise mechanisms of protection. A C. trachomatis vaccine needs to induce a robust cellular response with broad cross-serovar coverage and a heterologous prime-boost regimen may be an approach to achieve this.

The value of chlamydial antibody level for predicting tubal blockage among women undergoing hysterosalpingography in Lagos, Nigeria

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among Nigerian women undergoing hysterosalpingography (HSG) and to identify any correlation between chlamydial antibody levels and a diagnosis of tubal disease. MethodsA prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to June 30, 2013, among women scheduled to undergo HSG in the radiology department of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Endocervical swabs and serum samples were collected to assess the levels of chlamydial antigen and antibody, respectively. ResultsAmong 150 participants, 83 (55.3%) had bilateral tubal patency and 67 (44.7%) had tubal disease. Overall, 53 (35.3%) women had positive test results for chlamydial antibodies; however, none of the participants tested positive for chlamydial antigen. Women with tubal disease were more likely to test positive for chlamydial antibodies (n=44 [65.7%]) than were those whose test results were negative (n=9 [10.8%]; P<0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of chlamydial antibody testing to predict tubal disease diagnosed by HSG were 66% and 89%, respectively. ConclusionThe presence of chlamydial antibodies was quantitatively related to the likelihood of HSG-diagnosed tubal disease.

Chlamydia antibody testing helps in identifying females with possible tubal factor infertility

Chlamydia is an important cause of sexually transmitted diseases leading to tubal factor infertility. This study aims to define the role of chlamydial antibody detection in predicting presence, nature and type of tubal pathology in laparoscopy. A prospective study was conducted on 200 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopy as a part of infertility work-up. Preoperatively, serological determination of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) specific antibodies against Chlamydia Trachomatis was done by Enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Findings of laparoscopy were evaluated against presence or absence of chlamydial antibodies in serum. Out of 200 patients,10 patients tested positive for chlamydial antibody. Chlamydial antibody was found positive in 20% and 22.7% of patients with tubal pathology and peri-hepatic adhesions of patients, respectively. The sensitivity of chlamydial antibody for diagnosing tubal pathology was found to be 20%, while specificity was 100%. The positive chlamydial antibody test was not statistically associated with involvement of one or both tubes and site of tubal block. Chlamydia antibody test does not appear to be good screening test for tubal pathology especially in Indian subcontinent. In view of its high specificity, this test can be used to identify patients with higher chances of tubal pathology requiring operative intervention.

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis immunoglobulin G antibody in infertile women in Calabar

Background: Genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection is recognized as the single most common cause of tubal peritoneal damage leading to infertility. Knowledge of the prevalence of Chlamydia antibodies among infertile women will help determine the level of Chlamydial infection and hence its contribution to infertility. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of C. trachomatis immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody in infertile patients and the sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors associated with infection in Calabar. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective comparative study conducted among 145 women presenting for infertility in UCTH Calabar. Another 145 women with normal pregnancies attending the antenatal clinic were used as controls. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18.0 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA). A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The prevalence of C. trachomatis IgG antibody was 38.6% in the infertile group and 22.8% in the pregnant controls. This difference was statistically significant (P 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of C. trachomatis was higher in infertile women when compared to pregnant controls. This finding lends credence to the call for enzyme immunosorbent assay for Chlamydial IgG antibodies to be incorporated into infertility investigation in this environment.

History of Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection Threatens Fertility in Women with Unilateral Tubal Occlusion

Tubal factors are associated with infertility. To evaluate the influence of past Chlamydial infections on female fertility with unilateral tubal occlusion, we compared the cumulative pregnancy rate of Chlamydia antibody seropositive women with those who are seronegative. A retrospective, case-controlled study was designed. A total of 54 consecutive infertile women with unilateral tubal occlusion diagnosed by hysterosalpingography (HSG) during January, 2009 to April, 2013 were enrolled in this study. Each patient was followed up for three years. The study group was composed of 19 Chlamydia antibody seropositive women. The control group consisted of 35 who are seronegative. The cumulative pregnancy rate of the study group was 6/19 (31.5%) and that of the control group was 19/35 (54.3%). This suggested that the patients with past Chlamydial infections had more difficulty becoming pregnant than those without prior infections. There were no significant differences of clinical parameters between the two groups. This study suggested that past Chlamydia infection may contribute to lower pregnancy rates in infertile women with unilateral tubal occlusion. Patients with both unilateral tubal occlusion and Chlamydia antibody seropositive may do better to proceed to in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Examination of the in vivo immune response elicited by Chlamydia psittaci in chickens

It has since long been reported that Chlamydia psittaci is endemic in the poultry industry in Belgium as well as in other European Countries. This can lead to major economic losses because of a lowered egg production, higher mortality and carcass condemnation. Nowadays, expensive antibiotic treatments are necessary to reduce mortality rate but this can lead to antibiotic resistance. Moreover, C. psittaci can easily be transmitted from birds to humans through the inhalation of pathogen-containing aerosols derived from feces and eye and nostril secretions. Therefore, the need for an efficient vaccine against C. psittaci is augmenting. However, more research is needed to develop such a vaccine. Knowledge on the immune mechanisms of C. psittaci infections is crucial to understand the pathogenesis of, and immunity to this zoonotic pathogen and to act as a basis for vaccination studies. This study has investigated the in vivo immune response evoked by C. psittaci in his natural host, the chicken. Excretion of C. psittaci, chlamydial antibody detection in sera, blood immune cells and the mRNA expression levels of different cytokines, chemokines and one Toll-like receptor were investigated in different organs (conchae, lungs, airsacs, harderian gland, bursa fabricius and spleen) at different time points post infection (6h, 24h, 48h, 4d, 6d, 8d, 10d, 14d and 21d). A higher frequency of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and monocytes/macrophages expressing the MHC II molecule were observed in the infected group. Several cytokines and chemokines are significantly upregulated during infection but remarkably also significantly downregulated, especially at late time points. Furthermore, the only Toll-like receptor investigated, TLR4, was also significant upregulated in several organs. This study can contribute on the elucidation on how C. psittaci interact with his host, leading to the developing of targets for effective vaccination and therapeutic strategies for infection.

P08.05 Chlamydia trachomatisandtrichomonas vaginalisco-infection in the macaque model

Introduction We have used the pigtailed macaque model to individually study chlamydia (bacteria) and trichomonal (parasite) infections. To increase utility of the model, we explored infection potential for both chlamydia and trichomoniasis, when delivered simultaneously to macaques. This co-infection model will be useful for testing the efficacy of developing multi-purpose technologies. Methods Twelve female Macaca nemestrina were challenged by cervical inoculation with C. trachomatis E (CT: 5E6 IFU in 0.5 mL volume), immediately followed by vaginal exposure to T. vaginalis ATCC 50148 (TV: 5E5 trichomonads in 0.5 mL volume). For five weeks, infection status, chlamydia-specific serum antibody, and tissue responses were followed. Nucleic acid amplification tests were employed to detect each organism; cervical swabs were also cultured for chlamydia detection. Cervicovaginal tissues were monitored by colposcopy. Each animal completed a five day regimen of oral azithromycin plus metronidazole followed by test of clearance. Results Nine of twelve macaques tested positive for infection with both pathogens on at least three weekly visits. One animal was positive for chlamydial infection only (TV negative) for two weeks. These ten animals developed chlamydial IgG antibody titers of at least 1:16. The two remaining animals had limited, self-clearing infections; CT positive for one week, plus TV positive for one or two weeks. Neither of these macaques developed serum antibody to CT. During five weeks of secretion sampling, chlamydia positivity ranged from 1 to 5 weeks (median 5 weeks) and TV positivity ranged 0–5 weeks (median 5 weeks) as well. Colposcopy revealed blisters on the cervix of three co-infected animals. Neither infection could be correlated to changes in vaginal pH, exudate or polymorphonuclear cell presence. Conclusion We have demonstrated that co-infection with Chlamydia trachomatis and Trichomonas vaginalis is achievable in the pigtailed macaque model. Infections are individually detectable and concurrent treatments are effective in clearing both organisms. Disclosure of interest statement This research was supported by NIH Contract HHSN272201000006I, Task Number HHSN27200008 and by the Office of Research Infrastructure Programs (ORIP) of the National Institutes of Health through Grant Number P51 OD010425 Washington National Primate Research Centre. No pharmaceutical grants were received in the development of this study.

Abstract 1293: Ocular adnexal lymphomas and chlamydia association: an Indian scenario

Abstract Purpose: Ocular adnexal lymphomas (OALs) are rare, distinct subgroup of lymphomas constituting about 1-2% of all non-Hodgkins lymphomas (NHL) and approximately 8-20% of extranodal lymphomas. Most commonly it affects the lacrimal gland, lids, orbit and conjunctiva. It is reported that OALs may be an antigen driven disorder, however, the source of antigen(s) is not understood. Varying reports from different countries are available which suggests the role of Chlamydophila psittaci (Cp) in development and maintenance of ocular adnexal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (OAMZL). The present study was undertaken to detect the presence of Chlamydia infection in patients with ocular adnexal lymphomas in Indian scenario. Materials and Methods: Prospective analysis of 41 OAL cases and 21 controls was performed. Diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was confirmed by clinicopathological features and Hematoxylin &amp; Eosin stained sections of FFPE tumors. WHO formulation of NHL (2001) was used for histopathological classification. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was done on FFPE tumors using CD20, CD3, CD5, CD10, Cyclin-D1 and anti Chlamydia antibodies. Chlamydia antigen detection was performed on 27/41 OAL cases by indirect immunofluorescence (IFS), using monoclonal anti Chlamydia antibody. Nested PCR (n-PCR) was used to detect Chlamydia gene expression using genus specific primers and the products were sequenced &amp; analyzed using NCBI Blast Software. Patients were followed up for 7-45 months (Mean follow up 26.6 months ± 12.1). Results: Of the forty one cases, thirty two cases (78%) were diagnosed as MALT lymphomas, six (15%) were diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) and three (7%) were mantle cell type lymphomas. The mean age of patients was 54.6 ±14.9 years with male preponderance. Chlamydia gene was detected by nested PCR in 3/41 (7%) cases, out of which, two were MALT lymphomas &amp; one was mantle cell lymphoma. Sequencing showed all the three cases were positive for Chlamydia trachomatis. All the 3 PCR positive cases were also positive for IFS and only one case was positive by IHC for Chlamydia. The tumor was located in the orbit in two cases and eyelid in one case. Follow-up data revealed, systemic spread in two cases with bone marrow involvement (Stage T3N3M1b). All the 3 cases were subjected to 4-6 cycles of chemotherapy along with involved field radiotherapy and relapse occurred in 2 cases. Conclusion: Our study has shown association of C.trachomatis in 7% (3/41) OAL cases instead of C.psittaci infection, as reported in different geographic regions. However, this study has opened a new vista for further research on Chlamydia infection in OAL in this region (India) also. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Mansi Bhardwaj, Anjana Sharma, Seema Sen, Gita Satpathy, Neelam Pushker, Seema Kashyap, Lalit Kumar. Ocular adnexal lymphomas and chlamydia association: an Indian scenario. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1293. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1293

Chlamydial Abortion in Algerian Small Ruminants

Chlamydial abortion in small ruminants is a zoonotic disease mainly related to Chlamydia abortus . This bacterium is responsible for abortions and reproductive disorders in sheep and goats. Stillbirth and infertility, leading to important economic losses, are also associated to this pathology. In Algeria, abortion cases are frequently reported by veterinarians but, except for brucellosis, which is a notified disease in this country, abortive diseases are in general poorly studied. In order to detect the presence of Chlamydia antibodies in small ruminants in the region of Ksar El-Boukhari, 144 blood samples from 17 farms were collected. Sera were examined by indirect ELISA Kit (LSI VET Ruminant Serum Chlamydiosis, France). The test detects antibodies of the two most common Chlamydiaceae spp . affecting sheep and goats, namely Chlamydia abortus and Chlamydia pecorum . The assay was performed and results calculated according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 51 animals were positive, representing an observed prevalence rate of (35 ± 08) % and 15 herds were seropositive , representing an observed prevalence rate of (88 ± 15) %. The results suggest that the prevalence of Chlamydial infection is relatively large in small ruminants in this region. Veterinarians and people in charge of animal health should adopt an adequate policy of surveillance and prevention in order to control this pathology. Â

The Association between &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Chlamydia Trachomatis&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and Ectopic Pregnancy in Lagos, Nigeria—A Case Control Study

Objectives: To determine the seropositivity of Chlamydia antibody in patients with ruptured ectopic pregnancy compared to normal pregnant women and the risk factors for ectopic pregnancy. Study Design: This was a prospective case-control study of 85 cases of ruptured ectopic pregnancy and 100 cases of second trimester on-going intrauterine pregnant controls presenting in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) between September 2009 and March 2010. Study Site: This was at the gynaecological emergency room and antenatal clinic in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Ethical approval was sought and granted by the ethics review committee of LASUTH. Study Participants: Patients presenting with ruptured ectopic pregnancy were recruited as cases while the controls were made up of those with uncomplicated second trimester intrauterine pregnancy. A semi-structured questionnaire containing socio-demographic and clinical characteristics was administered following informed consent. Five milliliters of venous blood was taken from each participant and tested for Lymphogranuloma Venerum (LGV) type 2 broadly reacting antigen of Chlamydia trachomatis. Data Analysis: Data gathered from the case notes and laboratories were imputed into the computer and analyzed using the statistical package Epi-Info 3.51, Atlanta, USA. Frequency tables were generated for continuous variables and chi-square analysis used to determine association between variables, with p values <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: There were 91 cases of ectopic pregnancy among a total of 2468 deliveries giving an incidence of 3.68% or 1 in 27 deliveries. Factors which significantly contributed to increased incidence of ectopic pregnancy in this study were: level of education (p = 0.001), socio-economic status (p = 0.001), parity (p = 0.005), early age of sexual debut (p = 0.001), multiple sexual partners (p = 0.001), previous pelvic inflammatory disease (p = 0.003), previous induced abortion (p = 0.013) and previous postabortal/puerperal sepsis (p = 0.013). The seropositivity of Chlamydia IgG (62.4%) in the cases was significantly higher than that of 29% in the control (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: There was a high incidence of ectopic during the period of study and the seropositivity of Chlamydia IgG antibody was significantly higher amongst the cases. Risk factors identified were low level of education, low socio-economic status, low parity, early age of sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, previous history of pelvic inflammatory disease, previous induced abortion and previous postabortal/puerperal sepsis.

Clinical significance of circulatory chlamydial heat shock protein-60 antibodies in spondyloarthropathy patients

Background Chlamydia trachomatis is a multifaceted, asymptomatic, most prevalent sexually transmitted pathogen worldwide. Due to lack of specific diagnostic methods for C. trachomatis in Spondyloarthropathy (SpA) patients, this pathogen is under diagnosed and under estimated in various countries including India. We aimed to estimate circulatory antibodies to chlamydial heat shock protein60 (chsp60) IgG/ anti C. trachomatis IgA and evaluate their clinical significance in SpA patients.

Chlamydia trachomatisAntibody Testing in Vaginal Mucosal Material versus Blood Samples of Women Attending a Fertility Clinic and an STI Clinic

Background. Chlamydia infections often follow an asymptomatic course but may damage the reproductive tract. Chlamydia antibodies in serum are used as markers for past infections and can relate to tubal pathology and infertility. This “proof of principle” study aimed to assess whether Chlamydia antibodies are detectable in easier to obtain, noninvasive, vaginal mucosa samples and relate to current or past infection. Methods. We compared outcomes of Chlamydia IgG and IgA antibody tests in serum and vaginal mucosal swabs in (a) 77 women attending a fertility clinic, of whom 25 tested positive for serum-IgG and (b) 107 women visiting an STI centre, including 30 Chlamydia PCR-positive subjects. Results. In the STI clinic, active Chlamydia infections were linked to serum-IgG and serum-IgA (P < 0.001) and mucosa-IgA (P < 0.001), but not mucosa-IgG. In the fertility clinic, mucosa-IgG had stronger correlations with serum-IgG (P = 0.02) than mucosa-IgA (P = 0.06). Women with tubal pathology or Chlamydia history more commonly had serum-IgG and mucosa-IgA (both P < 0.001), whereas this link was weaker for mucosa-IgG (P = 0.03). Conclusion. Chlamydia IgG and IgA are detectable in vaginal mucosal material. Serum-IgG had stronger associations with current or past infections. Mucosa-IgA also showed associations with (past) infection and complications. IgA presence in vaginal mucosa warrants further epidemiological studies.

Investigation Correlates of Chlamydia Anti-Body Testing and Hysterosalpingography among Women with Tubal Infertility

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis infection is an important preventable cause of infertility. In women, up to 70% of genital infection with Chlamydia trachomatis are asymptomatic. In the management of infertility patients, a lot of clinicians or centres do not routinely screen for Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Hence all patients being investigated for infertility may potentially be at risk of tubal blockage in addition to non-tubal factor aetiology. Those with primary tubal blockage also are at risk of worsening of the blockage. Objective: To determine if there is a relationship between IgG and IgM Chlamydia antibody testing (CAT) and tubal factor infertility. Design: It was a cross sectional descriptive study. Method: The sera of 400 consecutive consenting infertile patients presenting to the gynaecological clinic of the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Northern Nigeria were tested for Chlamydia antibodies using ELISA IgG and IgM kits produced by Diagnostic Automation, Inc., 23961 Craftsman Road, Suite D/E/F, Calabasas, CA 91302, USA. Results: Up to 264 (66%) of the patients had tubal factor, 64 (16%) had uterine, 56 (14%) had ovarian, 50 (12.5%) had male while 40 (10%) had others. The causative factors were not mutually exclusive. The sero-prevalence of IgG and IgMChlamydia trachomatis amongst patients with tubal infertility were 35.6% and 35.6% respectively. There was a stronger significant relation (P = 0.008) between IgM sero-positivity which suggests recent infection and tubal infertility. The relation between IgG sero-positivity which suggest chronic infection and tubal infertility was also significant (P = 0.036) but relatively lower. Conclusion: The sero-prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection, IgG and IgM was significantly higher among the sub-population with tubal infertility. Chlamydia antibody testing (CAT) has predictive value for tubal infertility.

Chlamydia trachomatis promotes 3T3 cell differentiation into adipocytes.

There is experimental and clinical evidence showing that some viral and bacterial pathogens are linked to the accumulation of excessive body fat and obesity. The aim of the study was to investigate the ability of C. trachomatis to propagate in the pre-adipocyte cell line and induce its differentiation into fat cells. 3T3 L1 pre-adipocytes or McCoy cells were plated and infected with C. trachomatis. The cell monolayers were further studied by immunofluorescent and quantitative RT-PCR methods. C. trachomatis can efficiently propagate in 3T3 L1 cells, a mouse pre-adipocyte cell line. The morphological characteristics of chlamydial growth revealed in 3T3 L1 cells with the monoclonal chlamydial MOMP-specific antibody resembled those seen in McCoy cells, a classic cell line used for chlamydial research. The number of chlamydial 16S rRNA copies detectable in the lysates of McCoy and 3T3 cells infected with C. trachomatis was almost identical, suggesting similar efficiency of pathogen propagation in both cell lines. Moreover, there was a significant increase in aP2 mRNA transcript levels as well as moderate induction of SCD-1 mRNA in the total RNA extracted from the infected 3T3 L1 cells 48 h following the pathogen inoculation. The increased expression of the adipogenic markers was also accompanied by lipid droplet accumulation in the C. trachomatis infected 3T3 L1 cells, suggesting their transformation into differentiated adipocytes. The direct effect of the pathogen on fat cell progenitors observed in this work may explain abnormal fat deposition at the sites of chronic inflammation caused by C. trachomatis.

Positive Chlamydia trachomatis Serology Result in Women Seeking Care for Infertility Is a Negative Prognosticator for Intrauterine Pregnancy

There are no prior studies that assess the non-in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy rates in chlamydia serology-positive versus serology-negative women. Therefore, we wanted to determine whether a positive Chlamydia trachomatis immunoglobulin G serology result predicts reduced clinical pregnancy rates without IVF. A prospective observational study was performed at a university-affiliated reproductive center. A total of 1279 new infertility patients seen at the Continuum Reproductive Center between January 2007 and June 2009 underwent C. trachomatis immunoglobulin G screening. Charts were later reviewed for hysterosalpingography, laparoscopy, treatment cycles, and ultrasound evidence of an intrauterine pregnancy. The main outcome measure was non-IVF cumulative pregnancy rates. Seventy (5.5%) of 1279 of the participants were found to have a positive chlamydia serology result. Serology-positive participants had significantly more tubal block on hysterosalpingography (37.5% vs. 10.1%, P = 0.001) and laparoscopically confirmed tubal damage (85.7% vs. 48.9%, P = 0.002). The percent of all participants who achieved an ultrasound documented clinical pregnancy, at our center, without IVF was significantly lower among Chlamydia-positive participants (10.0% versus 21.7%) in seronegative participants (P < 0.02). The hazard rate of non-IVF clinical pregnancy among chlamydia antibody testing-positive patients was 57% less than the rate of pregnancy among chlamydia antibody testing-negative patients (hazard ratio, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.20-0.92). Both the per-cycle and the cumulative IVF pregnancy rates were equivalent in seropositive and in seronegative participants. This is the first large study to report that a positive serology screening result is both predictive of tubal damage and a reduced cumulative pregnancy rate when excluding treatment with IVF.

Association of anti-Chlamydia antibodies with ectopic pregnancy in Benin city, Nigeria: A case-control study

Ectopic pregnancy remains a major public health problem especially in many developing countries where it is a significant contributor to pregnancy related morbidity and mortality. To determine the association between prior Chlamydia trachomatis infection and the risk of ectopic pregnancy. A case-control study from two tertiary health care facilities in Benin City, Nigeria. Ninety eight women with ectopic pregnancy (cases) and another 98 women with uncomplicated intrauterine pregnancy (controls) matched for age, were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire and evaluated for serological evidence of prior Chlamydia trachomatis infection. The antibody titres in cases (48%) were significantly higher than in controls (16.3%) (p<0.001). However, the association between Chlamydia antibodies and ectopic pregnancy was attenuated when the effects of indicators of previous pelvic infections, socio-demographic characteristics, contraceptive and sexual history were controlled for. Primary level of education (OR = 6.32; CI, 2.31 - 17.3), three or more lifetime sexual partners (OR = 5.71; CI, 2.39 - 13.65) and prior history of vaginal discharge (OR = 5.00; CI, 2.03 - 12.3) were more likely to be associated with ectopic pregnancy than with the presence of antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis (OR = 2.82; 95% CI, 1.33 - 5.95). The Population Attributable Risk was 30.9%. Chlamydial infections play only a limited role in the pathogenesis of ectopic pregnancy.

Seroprevalence of Chlamydia infection in pigs in Jiangxi province, south-eastern China

Chlamydia are Gram-negative obligate bacteria that cause a wide range of diseases in humans and animals. To assess the risk of zoonosis posed by pigs, a total of 920 serum samples were collected from pigs in 11 administrative cities in Jiangxi province, south-eastern China, and the seroprevalence of Chlamydia antibodies was investigated by an indirect haemagglutination assay. The pathogen-specific antibodies were detected in 539 (58.59 %) pigs with seroprevalence ranging from 33.33 % (Jingdezhen) to 90.91 % (Pingxiang) among different cities (P<0.05). The highest prevalence was found in pregnant sows (80.89 %, 127/157), followed by breeding boars (79.37 %, 50/63), suckling sows (77.01 %, 67/87), fattening pigs (69.32 %, 61/88) and non-pregnant sows (62.5 %, 180/288). Piglets had the lowest prevalence of 22.78 % (54/237). The seroprevalence of Chlamydia infection among different categories of pigs was also significantly different (P<0.05). These results indicate that Chlamydia is highly prevalent in pigs in Jiangxi province and our results indicate that the presence of Chlamydia exposure in pigs may pose a potential threat to human health.