Fallopian tube obstruction as a sequela to Chlamydia trachomatis infection.
The association of tubal infertility and ectopic pregnancy with Chlamydia trachomatis infection was investigated using a case-control study design. Although culture methods failed to document active chlamydial infection in the majority of cases, serology revealed a significant association of Chlamydia trachomatis antibody with tubal infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Thirteen of 18 (72%) women with tubal factor infertility and 18 of 32 (56%) women with ectopic pregnancy had antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis as compared to 11 of 49 (22%) normal pregnant controls. Interestingly, only 7 of 18 (39%) infertile women and 5 of 36 (14%) women with ectopic pregnancy recalled a history of pelvic inflammatory disease. These results suggest that chlamydia-associated salpingitis, whether clinically evident or subclinical, is a major contributor to diseases of tubal dysfunction.
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000150:complications*; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000209:etiology*; D012488:Salpingitis / Q000150:complications*
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial