Serum-specific antibodies for Chlamydia trachomatis in premature contractions

Serum-Specific Antibodies forChlamydiatrachomatisin Preterm Premature Rupture of the Membranes

“…At the same time, there were no statistical or numerical differences in the prevalence of chlamydial IgG and IgA specific anti bodies between the two control groups. Similar results were found by Cohen et al [8] in their study on chlamydial IgG and IgA specific antibodies measured at the time of onset of premature contractions. It was also found that the occurrence rate of chlamydial IgA antibodies was significantly higher in the control groups, when compared to pregnant women who suf fered from premature contractions.…”

“…These infections may persist for long periods, unless appropriate antibiotic therapy is administered [22], Several studies have suggested that elevated titers of IgA and IgG antichlamydial antibodies may be markers of active chlamydial infection. IgG and IgA antibodies, at serum dilutions of >1:128 and >1:16, respectively, appear to indicate individuals with chlamydial infections [8,[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. Since the half-life of IgA is very short, it is detectable for only a short period following removal of the antigen [14,15,23]; its pres ence in serum suggests an ongoing or very recent infec tion [24], Thus, by measuring IgG and IgA specific anti bodies, it was hoped that this method would prove to be more accurate and specific for the identification of active or persistent chlamydial infection.…”

“…However, the effect of maternal chlamydial infection on pregnancy outcome and perinatal complica tions, such as preterm labor and birth, premature rup ture of the membranes, and low-birth weight infants, remains controversial. Although some studies have found an association between cervical C. trachomatis and an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome [7], others have questioned such an association [8][9][10]. Ele vated titers of IgA and IgG antichlamydial antibodies have been suggested as markers of active chlamydial infection [8,[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19],…”

Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection and Risk of Preterm Birth

“…Serologic evidence of previous CT infection has been found to be associated with ectopic pregnancy (5), tubal infertility (6,7) and possibly miscarriage (8,9). However, few studies have examined the relation between serologic evidence and preterm birth (3,9). Martinet al (2) found that in a group of pregnant women with active CT infection 28% delivered before 37 weeks'gestation, as compared with 6% of uninfected women.…”

“…Furthermore, screening asymptomatic women with widely used antigen detection assays may yeld significant number of false negative results (4). Serologic evidence of previous CT infection has been found to be associated with ectopic pregnancy (5), tubal infertility (6,7) and possibly miscarriage (8,9). However, few studies have examined the relation between serologic evidence and preterm birth (3,9).…”