Follicular fluid antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis and human heat shock protein-60 kDa and infertility in women

Arch Med Res. 2004 Mar-Apr;35(2):121-5. doi: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2003.09.014.

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to establish the relationship between presence of anti-Chlamydia trachomatis and anti-HSP60 antibodies in serum and follicular fluid of infertile women.

Methods: Serum IgG and follicular fluid IgA to Chlamydia trachomatis and human heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) were determined in 41 women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Results: A significant association was found between presence of bacterial antibodies in serum and IgA anti-HSP60 in follicular fluid.

Conclusions: Chlamydia trachomatis infection might be triggering an autoimmune process that could negatively affect the success of IVF.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autoimmune Diseases
  • Chaperonin 60 / chemistry
  • Chaperonin 60 / immunology*
  • Chlamydia Infections / complications
  • Chlamydia trachomatis / immunology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin A / blood
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulin G / chemistry
  • Infertility, Female / immunology*
  • Infertility, Female / microbiology*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • Chaperonin 60
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Immunoglobulin G