Chlamydia trachomatis-Specific Antibodies and In Vitro Fertilization Outcome

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection affects female fertility. The purpose of our study was to assess the association between serological and follicular fluid markers of CT infection and in vitro fertilization (IVF) success. This prospective multicentre cohort study included female patients undergoing IVF procedure in Serbia. IVF procedure was performed according to the standard protocol. Serum and follicular fluid samples were collected during IVF, and IgG and IgA anti-MOMP antibodies titers were determined by ELISA test. Significantly higher embryos implantation rate was detected among patients with negative antibodies titers in follicular fluid (OR [95% CI]: 5.254 [1.055; 26.152]). There was a trend toward increased risk of IVF failure in patients positive for either IgG or IgA in follicular fluid, or positive for IgG in serum. Older age was associated with lower odds for successful implantation (OR [95% CI]: 0.888 [0.820; 0.962]), biochemical pregnancy (OR [95% CI]: 0.890 [0.817; 0.969]) and live birth (OR [95% CI]: 0.906 [0.833; 0.985]). Our results suggest that the presence of chlamydial IgG and IgA anti-MOMP antibodies in serum and follicular fluid of infertile women could be indicative of lower IVF success rate, and that the advanced maternal age is associated with higher risk of IVF failure.