Frequency of anti-Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies in infertile women referred to Al-Zahra hospital in Tabriz

Abstract

Background: Infertility is one of the major issues in society and its incidence is estimated to be almost 10-15%.. Chlamydia is an important cause of sexually transmitted diseases leading to infertility. Objective: This study was designed to determine the frequency of anti-Chlamydia trachomatis (anti-C. trachomatis) antibodies in infertile women at Alzahra hospital, Tabriz, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the blood samples were collected randomly from 184 infertile women (case group) and 100 pregnant women (control group).the frequency of specific IgG and IgM anti-Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies were evaluated using ELISA. Results: The frequency of anti-C. trachomatis IgG in pregnant and infertile women was 18% and 35.88%, respectively. The frequency of anti-C. trachomatis IgM in pregnant and infertile women was 2% and 5.44%.Our results showed the significant high rate of anti-Chlamydia trachomatis IgG (p=0.035), IgM (p=0.004) (p<0.05) in infertile women. Also, no significant relation was seen in the frequency of antibody between urban and rural women, IgG (p=0.690), IgM (p=0.486). The highest prevalence of positive cases was seen among the 21-30 years of age groups. There was not a significant relationship between age of infertile women and the amount of anti-Chlamydia trachomatis antibody, IgG (p=0.437), IgM (p=0.132). There was no significant relationship between tubal factor infertility and the frequency of anti C. trachomatis antibodies, IgG (p=0.208), IgM (p=0.082) (p>0.05). Conclusion: According to the high frequency of antibody anti-C. trachomatis among infertile women in competition to the control group, evaluation and treatment of Chlamydia infections is necessary in these patients. آ© 2017, Research and Clinical Center for Infertitlity. All rights reserved.