CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS INFECTION IN PREGNANT WOMEN WITH PREMATURE MEMBRANE RUPTURE OR PREMATURE DELIVERY THREAT

SUMMARY. Introduction. Chlamydia trachomatis is considered the causal agent of trachoma, salpingitis, endometritis, and may be involved in premature membrane rupture (PMR) and premature delivery threat (PDT). The aim of this work was to determine the presence of C. trachomatis antigens and antibodies against C. trachomatis in pregnant women with PMR, PDT or normal pregnancy (NP). Material and methods. We took endocervical samples from 50 pregnant women of each group for determination of C. trachomatis antigens by means of an direct immunofluorescence method; additionally, 5 mL of peripheral blood were taken to identify anti-C. trachomatis antibodies by indirect immunoflurescence assay. Results. Six per cent (3/50) of PMR patients showed C. trachomatis antigens and IgG anti-C. trachomatis antibodies. Two per cent (1/50) of PDT patients had C. trachomatis and IgM anti-C. trachomatis antibodies. Six per cent (3/50) of NP patients exhibited antigens C. trachomatis but no anti-C. trachomatis antibodies. Moreover, only IgG anti-C. trachomatis antibodies were found respectively in 10% (5/50), 10% (5/50) and 16% (8/50) of the PMR, PDT and NP women groups. Conclusions. The finding of C. trachomatis antigens as well as anti- C. trachomatis antibodies in the three studied groups, emphasizes the importance of an opportune identification of the infection in order to apply the adequate treatment and prevent sequelae in both the pregnant women and their products. (Rev Biomed 2001; 12:158-165)