Immunohistochemical detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in ectopic tubal pregnancies

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to evaluate the possible association of Chlamydia trachomatis with ectopic pregnancies. In a case-control study, comprising 18 cases with surgically confirmed ectopic tubal pregnancy and 11 fallopian tubes excised for sterilization purpose which served as controls. All women were between the ages of 16-42 years. An immunohistochemical staining using peroxidase for Chlamydia trachomatis monoclonal antibody was performed on the paraffin section of these specimens. Chlamydia trachomatis antigen was detected in 13/15 [18.13%] of ectopic pregnancies and only in 3/10 [30%] of the control group. Thus, the prevalence rate of chlamydia antigen was significantly higher in women with ectopic pregnancy versus control [P <0.012]. No chlamydia antigen was found in the chorionic villi indicating the absence of current infection. Only 3 of the ladies recall having pelvic inflammatory disease indicated that most of the infections passed unnoticed. This study further supported the hypothesis that subclinical infection of the tube with Chlamydia trachomatis which might underlay ectopic pregnancies