[Detection of chlamydia antibodies in non-standard biological fluids in women with fertility disorders].

OBJECTIVE: Detection of IgA and IgG antibodies against Chlamydia trachomatis in various biological materials in patients with fertility disorders. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty of Charles University and Faculty Hospital, Plzen. METHODS: Antichlamydial antibodies IgA and IgG were detected in 73 patients. Examination of sera was performed in all 73 women, peritoneal fluid was examined in 20 patients who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy, follicular fluid samples in 22 women from IVF programme and antibodies in cervical ovulatory mucus were examined in 31 patients of the Division of Immunology of Reproduction. Results were compared with clinical findings and data of personal histories. Blood donors sera examination were used as a control group. RESULTS: High number of chlamydial antibody positivity was found in follicular fluid--in IgA (18/22, 82%) and IgG (16/22, 73%) and also in ovulatory cervical mucus in IgA (13/31, 42%). Examinations of sera did not differ significantly from the control group. CONCLUSION: High levels of chlamydial antibodies in follicular fluid samples could display connection between chlamydia infection and infertility, mainly as its organic cause (adhesions, tubal factor). IgA positivity in cervical ovulatory mucus is caused by local antibody production. Serologic examination of chlamydial antibodies is one of the most suitable examinations of entry in infertile patients as well as in pregnant women.