Conjunctival Chlamydia trachomatis was studied in 50 males with chlamydial urethritis. Conjunctival samples from 49 patients were negative for chlamydial antigen by enzyme immunoassay. However, tear anti-Chlamydia IgA antibodies were found in high titers (≧ 400) in 20 out of the 50 patients. Secretory IgA against Chlamydia in corresponding titers was found in 8 patients. The titers differed significantly from those of the 22 negative control subjects. IgG antibodies were not detected. Tear anti-Chlamydia IgA antibodies are not diagnostic for chlamydial conjuctivitis, but occur concomitantly in patients with chlamydial urethritis.
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