Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Chlamydia”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 343 records · Page 19Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in dialysis patients, renal transplant recipients and healthy controls.

It has been suggested that infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae plays a role in the development and maintenance of atherosclerosis based on differences in the prevalence of antibodies against Chlamydia pneumoniae in patients with and without atherosclerotic lesions and on the presence of bacteria in atherosclerotic lesions. It is well known that patients undergoing chronic dialysis treatment and renal transplant recipients have a considerably increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In this study it is hypothesized that patients with these conditions have a higher prevalence of Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA in the white cells of the peripheral blood. Blood samples from 196 dialysis patients, 114 renal transplant recipients and 342 healthy controls were analysed with an in-house nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) and tested for the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA. The prevalence of Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA was significantly higher in dialysis patients (16.3%) than in healthy controls (8.5%, p < 0.01), whereas no significant difference was found between the prevalence in renal transplant recipients (9.6%) and healthy controls. The prevalence was not related to gender or age in either group, and it was the same in diabetics and non-diabetics. Dialysis patients have a higher prevalence of Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA than healthy controls. The lower prevalence of Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA in renal transplant recipients than in dialysis patients may be due to selection of dialysis patients with few or no cardiovascular complications for renal transplantation. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that Chlamydia pneumoniae is associated with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Use of synthetic antigens improves detection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of antibodies against abortigenic Chlamydia psittaci in ruminants.

Synthetic peptide antigens were prepared for use in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to detect serum antibodies against abortigenic strains of Chlamydia psittaci in livestock. Peptide antigens were identified with C. psittaci B577-immune sera by solid-phase scanning of overlapping octapeptides of variable domains (VDs) of the major outer membrane protein of C. psittaci serovar 1 (omp1 type C. psittaci B577). Two VD 4 regions and one VD 2 region were strongly reactive with all C. psittaci B577 antisera. Peptides encompassing these regions were synthesized with biotin and a serine-glycine-serine-glycine spacer at the N terminus and were attached to streptavidin-coated microtiter plates. In direct ELISAs with these plates, the synthetic peptides reacted with C. psittaci B577 antisera, but not with sera from specific-pathogen-free animals. Serum specimens from 40 sheep and 40 cattle, obtained from herds with abortion problems, were screened for antibodies by these C. psittaci B577 peptide ELISAs and an ELISA with recombinant, genus-specific Chlamydia lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antigen. Results from these newly developed ELISAs were compared to those from the reference C. psittaci B577 elementary body (EB) ELISA and the Chlamydia complement fixation test (CFT). The C. psittaci B577 peptide ELISAs, the LPS ELISA, and the EB ELISA correctly identified the presence or absence of antibodies against chlamydiae in all sheep and bovine sera. The Chlamydia CFT, which is the most widely accepted serodiagnostic method for chlamydial infections in animals, correctly identified the presence or absence of antibodies against chlamydiae in only 78 and 4.9% of sheep and bovine sera, respectively. These results suggest that the C. psittaci B577-peptide and Chlamydia LPS ELISAs are superior for the serodiagnosis of ruminant infections with abortigenic chlamydiae, since they are more sensitive than the CFT, they are easy to standardize, and they use readily available synthetic antigens instead of organism-derived CFT antigen.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Importance of methodology in determination of Chlamydia pneumoniae seropositivity in healthy subjects and in patients with coronary atherosclerosis.

Enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for the detection of Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies were compared to the microimmunofluorescence (MIF) test, the reference method. Furthermore, we assessed the hypothesis that a possible relationship between Chlamydia pneumoniae immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies and coronary artery disease is dependent on the type of EIA. Sera from 112 healthy men (mean age, 50.1 years) were tested for antibodies against Chlamydia pneumoniae by five commercial test kits: Focus Chlamydia MIF IgG test, Labsystems Chlamydia pneumoniae IgG EIA (LS EIA), R-Biopharm Elegance Chlamydia pneumoniae IgG EIA (RB EIA), Medac Chlamydia pneumoniae IgG sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA (MCp sELISA) and Medac Chlamydia IgG recombinant enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA (MC rELISA). Sera from 106 consecutive male patients (mean age, 63.6 years) undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography were also examined using the Focus MIF, LS EIA, MCp sELISA, and MC rELISA techniques. The agreement between LS EIA (65 to 83% [controls-patients]) or MC rELISA (49 to 61%) and Focus MIF (78 to 83%) was average to fair (kappa = 0.597 and 0.234, respectively). MCp sELISA and RB EIA showed good agreement with MIF (kappa = 0.686 and 0.665, respectively), with 80 to 89 and 79% of individuals reacting positively. A significant difference in seroprevalence between patients and healthy subjects was observed with the LS EIA, while seropositivities in the two study groups appeared equal when the Focus MIF assay was applied. The MC rELISA and MCp sELISA gave statistically significant differences in antibody seroprevalence in patients with two-vessel disease or when the patient group combined individuals with a two- or a three-vessel disease, respectively. The concordance between MIF and other commonly used serological assays for C. pneumoniae IgG antibody detection is good to fair. The choice of serological assay has important implications for C. pneumoniae antibody seroprevalence, as well as for the relationship between C. pneumoniae seropositivity and coronary artery disease.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Part of Chlamydia pneumoniae in atherosclerosis and exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma].

Chlamydia pneumoniae infection has been often associated with several chronic diseases including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). The spectrum of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection has been expanded to the association with coronary heart disease (CHD). In Morocco, the implication of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in these pathologies is unknown. The aim of our study was to determine the relationship between infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae and respiratory pathology and atherosclerosis. The patients were from two departments (department of respiratory disease and of cardiology), and presented exacerbation of COPD and asthma or atherosclerosis. The mean age was 45 years a with a 1.7 sex ratio for the first population and 61 years with a 1.4 sex ratio for the second population. Serological diagnosis of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection has been determined by microimmunofluorescence (MIF). All samples were tested for anti-Chlamydia pneumoniae IgG, IgA and IgM. In the first group, we found 42 % positive for IgG, 11 % for IgA, and no case for IgM. In the second group the presence of anti-Chlamydia pneumoniae IgG was observed in 67.5 % cases, IgA in 16.5 % cases and IgM in 2 % cases, 14 % of patients had negative serology for IgA, IgG, and IgM. Our results are in accord to those reported by other studies. According to these results, it seems that a certain degree of association exists between Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and exacerbation of COPD, asthma and atherosclerosis which should be of importance on a therapeutic point of view.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Immunocytochemical demonstration of Chlamydia infection in the urogenital tracts.

The peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) technique was applied in cellular samples for the detection of chlamydial infection. Urethral scrapings were obtained from 316 males with clinically suspected urethritis. Positive PAP staining was detected in 118 (37%) of 316 tested. Cellular samples from the endocervix of 25 (54%) of 46 female contacts of males with positive Chlamydia-infected cells had positive Chlamydia-PAP staining. Chlamydia was also found in 12 (25%) of 48 male with gonorrhea. Serum IgG antibodies against Chlamydia trachomatis were evaluated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A total of 29 out of 73 patients had positive Chlamydia serology; of these, 21 were positive for PAP staining, and eight were negative. The determination of Chlamydia antigen by means of the PAP technique appears to be a satisfactory method for detecting Chlamydia in male and female genital specimens; also, the procedure can be done readily in most laboratory settings.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The binding of Chlamydia trachomatis and zinc to McCoy cells (mouse fibroblasts).

Zinc was found to have profoundly different effects upon the infection of McCoy cells (mouse fibroblasts) by two strains of Chlamydia trachomatis dependent upon the time and concentration of zinc exposure. Radiolabeled zinc-65 became McCoy cell-associated in a manner independent of incubation temperature, but highly dependent on incubation time and zinc concentration. This effect was maximal after 30 to 60 minutes of incubation. Correspondingly, incubation of a chlamydia inoculant with McCoy cells and supplemental zinc (10(-5) to 10(-4) M) for 1 h was associated with significantly (approximately twofold) more binding of the chlamydia to the McCoy cells compared with control media (8 X 10(-6) M Zn). More prolonged incubation of the chlamydia and McCoy cells with supplemental zinc was associated with significantly fewer chlamydia inclusions. Concentrations of 5 X 10(-4) M zinc or higher were also found to be toxic to the McCoy cells after 48 h of incubation. Brief exposure to supplemental zinc may augment infection of cells by chlamydia: however, more prolonged exposure to the same concentrations of zinc lessens cellular infection by chlamydia.

Cell Line↗
PubMed2000

Immune responses to Chlamydia antigens in atherosclerosis.

Aim of this study was to isolate T lymphocytes from atheromatous plaques and to determine they respond to Chlamydia antigens. Atheromatous plaques from carotid endarterectomy patients, were cultured in vitro with the T cell growth factor, IL-2. This rarely allowed outgrowth of T cell lines. However, when combined with a mitogenic or antigenic stimulus to T cells, T cell lines were obtained from most patients, and from approximately 30% of replicate plaque tissue fragments. Chlamydia organisms were as effective in allowing the establishment of T cell lines as other recall antigens. T cell lines were tested for their ability to recognize antigens presented by autologous macrophages. Some lines responded to Chlamydia organisms, and also to the recombinant Chlamydia proteins hsp60 and OMP2. However, other lines recognized recall antigens. These results indicate that the atheromatous plaque contains memory T lymphocytes, and amongst the antigens they recognize are Chlamydia proteins. Stimulation of T cells was required to allow outgrowth in vitro, suggesting that the T cells were not in an activated state in vivo. However, since Chlamydia pneumoniae is present in the atheromatous plaque, activation of Chlamydia-reactive T cells by local antigen is a potential pro-inflammatory mechanism which could contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Antigens, Bacterial↗
PubMed1984

Postabortal pelvic infection associated with Chlamydia trachomatis and the influence of humoral immunity.

Among 1101 women undergoing legal abortion by vacuum aspiration within 14 weeks of gestation, 69 (6.3%) harboured Chlamydia trachomatis in the cervix and/or urethra. Of the chlamydia-positive women, 16 (23.2%) developed endometritis and 10 (14.5%) developed salpingitis during the first postoperative month. The corresponding figures among the chlamydia-negative women were 59 (5.7%) and 5 (0.6%). These differences are highly significant (p less than 0.001). To study the significance of systemic and local humoral immunity to C. trachomatis in these complications, chlamydial antibodies were determined in serum and cervical secretions. No difference in frequency of local IgA antibodies in chlamydia-positive women was observed between those with and those without complications. On the other hand, there was a strong indication that chlamydia-positive women who developed salpingitis had a lower mean titer (17) of serum IgG chlamydial antibodies than carriers without symptoms (82, p less than 0.02). The group of endometritis patients did not differ in this respect from chlamydia-positive women who were free of infectious complications. These results suggest that C. trachomatis may be an etiologic agent in postabortal salpingitis and probably also in endometritis. Serum antibodies seemed to offer some protection against salpingitis in chlamydia-positive cases, whereas local antibodies did not.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMed2005

Chlamydia conjunctivitis and central retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: To report a case of coexistent Chlamydia conjunctivitis and central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in which both problems improved significantly after oral doxycyline. DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: A healthy 39-year-old man presented with follicular and papillary conjunctivitis, unresponsive to topical antibiotic therapy, and a CRVO. The patient had serum IgG titers of 1:256 to both Chlamydia pneumonia and Chlamydia trachomatous. RESULTS: Treatment with oral doxycyline (100 mg orally twice daily for 2 weeks) resulted in complete resolution of the conjunctivitis and rapid improvement of the CRVO. CONCLUSIONS: Because of its ability to cause chronic vascular endothelial infection and localized inflammation, Chlamydia has been implicated in the development of arterial vascular disease. The positive Chlamydia serology, conjunctivitis, CRVO, and excellent response to doxycycline in this patient suggest that Chlamydia may have contributed to his vascular occlusion. Further studies investigating a possible association between Chlamydia and CRVO may be indicated.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2005

Multicomponent Internet continuing medical education to promote chlamydia screening.

BACKGROUND: Low Chlamydia trachomatis screening rates create an opportunity to test innovative continuing medical education (CME) programs. Few studies of Internet-based physician learning have been evaluated with objective data on practice patterns. DESIGN: This randomized controlled trial tested a multicomponent Internet CME (mCME) intervention for increasing chlamydia screening of at-risk women aged 16 to 26 years. SETTING: Eligible physician offices had > or =20 patients at risk for chlamydia as defined by the Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set (HEDIS), had at least one primary care physician (internal medicine, family medicine/general practice, pediatrics) with Internet access, and participated in the study managed care organization. The 191 randomized primary care offices represented 20 states. INTERVENTION: The intervention, available from February to December 2001, consisted of four case-based learning modules, was tailored in real time to each physician based on theory of behavior change, and included office-level feedback of chlamydia screening rates. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: HEDIS chlamydia screening rates for the pre-intervention (2000) and post-intervention (2002) periods. RESULTS: Pre-intervention screening rates for the intervention and comparison offices were 18.9% and 16.2% (p =0.135). Post-intervention screening rates for the intervention and comparison offices were 15.5% and 12.4%, respectively (p =0.044, adjusting for baseline performance). CONCLUSIONS: The substantial decline in chlamydia screening rates observed in the comparison offices was significantly attenuated for the intervention offices. The mCME favorably influenced chlamydia screening by primary care physicians.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Prevalence and correlates of Chlamydia infection in Canadian street youth.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and correlates of Chlamydia trachomatis in Canadian street youth. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of street youth between the ages of 15-24 years was conducted over a 9-month period in seven large urban centers across Canada. Youth were recruited through "drop-in" centers, outreach work, and mobile vans in each city. Information was collected through a nurse-administered questionnaire. Youth were asked to provide urine to test for chlamydia trachomatis by polymerase chain reaction. Separate logistic regression models were run for males and females controlling for age. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of chlamydia was 8.6% in 1355 youth (95% CI = (7.1%, 10.1%)). Higher prevalence rates were found in females than in males (10.9% vs. 7.3%, respectively) and in Aboriginal youth than in non-Aboriginal youth (13.7% vs. 6.6%, respectively). Four variables were associated with increased risk of chlamydia infection in females: Aboriginal status; self-perceived risk; having no permanent home; and having been in foster care. One predictor of chlamydia for males was having had a social worker. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of chlamydia was found in this vulnerable population in comparison to other Canadian youth. Having been in foster care and having had a social worker were found to have a strong association with chlamydia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Role of Tryptophan supplementation in the treatment of Chlamydia.

Chlamydia trachomatis, an intracellular pathogen, is the leading cause of preventable blindness and sexually transmitted infections in the world. Infection of epithelial cells with Chlamydia results in the production of antigen-specific IFN-gamma -secreting CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. IFN-gamma activates indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), an enzyme that degrades tryptophan in the host cell. This IDO mediated tryptophan starvation is known to activate genes for persistence in the Chlamydia, which renders antibiotics ineffectiveness against it. Tryptophan supplementation causes reactivation of Chlamydia from persistent into metabolically active forms and then the antibiotics easily eradicate these active forms of Chlamydia. Therefore treating the chronic Chlamydia infection with antibiotics and tryptophan together may lead to better clearance of Chlamydia infection, and may be a better therapeutic approach in the future.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2005

An evaluation of the impact of a national health demonstration project on testing and management for Chlamydia trachomatis infections in two regions of Scotland.

OBJECTIVES: To compare clinical practice relating to testing for, and management of, genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in the Lothian and Grampian regions of Scotland as part of an evaluation of a Government-funded health demonstration project in Lothian, Healthy Respect. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical audit against standards developed from a national clinical guideline. METHODS: Clinical practice relating to testing for, and management of, genital C. trachomatis infection was assessed against standards for good quality care developed from a national clinical guideline (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network Guideline 42). Audit methods comprised: postal survey of primary care clinicians; review of referral letters from primary to secondary care; and review of primary and secondary care patient case records. Findings from Lothian and Grampian were compared. RESULTS: Questionnaires were returned by 167 primary care clinicians in Lothian and 96 in Grampian. Clinicians in Lothian and Grampian gave similar responses relating to: testing of symptomatic patients (87 vs 88%); offer of testing for asymptomatic young patients (55 vs 55%); choice of antichlamydial agent (47 vs 42% azithromycin as first line); and follow-up strategies (50 vs 51% offer follow-up in primary care). Clinicians in Lothian were significantly more likely to participate in partner notification work (57 vs 44%; P=0.04) and to agree with statements reflecting 'perceived self-efficacy' in chlamydia-related care (57 vs 48%; P=0.006). Referral letters from primary to secondary care were reviewed for 31 women with genital symptoms in Lothian and 28 in Grampian. More women in Lothian were tested for chlamydia prior to referral (65 vs 39%; difference not significant). Review of primary care records for consultations in young people (145 in Lothian; 203 in Grampian) showed a higher level of chlamydia testing in Grampian (Lothian, 14%; Grampian, 34%; P<0.0001). However, review of secondary care records (n=39) showed a much higher level of testing in Lothian (Lothian, 75%; Grampian, 9%; P<0.0001). Review of secondary care records relating to proven chlamydia-positive women (n=159) suggested better care in Lothian in relation to ensuring antibiotic treatment (Lothian, 91%; Grampian, 74%; P=0.004), and use of the preferred antibiotic, azithromycin (Lothian, 78%; Grampian, 37%; P<0.0001). However, documented referral to a health adviser appeared to be better in Grampian (Lothian, 32%; Grampian, 48%; P=0.048). CONCLUSIONS: During the period of activity of the Healthy Respect demonstration project, few differences were detected between clinicians in Lothian and Grampian with regard to chlamydia-related practice. In both regions, clinicians appeared to be very aware of the need to test for chlamydia in patients with relevant symptoms, but were less likely to offer opportunistic testing to young patients without specific symptoms. These findings suggest that Healthy Respect in Lothian has had little impact on clinicians. However, these findings must be considered within the context of a broader evaluation, and it is noteworthy that the few significant differences that were detected tended to suggest better practice in Lothian.

Chlamydia Infections↗
PubMed2006

Prevalence of chlamydiae in semen and genital tracts of bulls, rams and bucks.

Chlamydiae infect male genital organs of ruminants. However, little is known about their prevalence. Hence, we investigated fresh and cryopreserved semen (bulls: n=304; rams: n=78; bucks: n=44) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), as well as genital organs (bulls: n=13; rams: n=10; bucks: n=6) by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and PCR. Sera from bulls (n=104) and small ruminants (n=61) were tested by LPS and rMOMP (recombinant major outer membrane protein) ELISA and competitive ELISA (cELISA), respectively. Three PCR assays were compared in this study for detection of chlamydial DNA in semen: 16S rRNA, IGS-S (intergenic spacer 16S/23S-short), and IGS-L (intergenic spacer 16S/23S-long) PCRs. PCR sensitivity and inhibitory effects were determined by spiking semen with Chlamydophila (Cp.) abortus DNA. In bull semen, detection limits of the 16S, IGS-S and IGS-L PCRs were 10, 10, 100 templates, respectively. However, PCR sensitivity was reduced in ram and buck semen suggesting the presence of potential PCR inhibitors. Of 304 bull semen samples, the 16S PCR revealed DNA of chlamydiae in 20 samples (6.6%), including Cp. abortus (n=2), Cp. psittaci (n=1), Chlamydia suis (n=2), and Chlamydia-like organisms (n=15). In rams, one semen sample was positive for Chlamydia-like organism. All investigated male genital organs were negative for Chlamydia. Serology revealed 47.1% (49/104) positive bulls by LPS ELISA. Of these, 30 samples were positive by rMOMP ELISA, predominantly for Cp. pecorum. In small ruminants, cELISA displayed 34.8% (16/46) and 60% (9/15) positivity for Cp. abortus in rams and bucks, respectively. There was no correlation between serology and PCR of semen. The presence of chlamydiae in semen suggests the possibility of venereal transmission, although risk may be low in Switzerland.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Detection of chlamydiae in boar semen and genital tracts.

Chlamydiae cause abortion and reproductive disorders in sows. Although organisms can infect the male genital tract, little is known about the disease situation in boars. Hence, we examined the prevalence of chlamydial infection in semen and genital tracts of boars. Samples collected from Swiss boars (group A: n=42), and boars from Germany (group B: n=39) were examined by bacteriology, LPS-ELISA, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The latter methodology involved use of three PCR assays including 16Sig rDNA, IGS-S (intergenic spacer 16S/23S-Short) and IGS-L (intergenic spacer 16S/23S-Long) PCR for comparison methods. PCR sensitivity and the presence of potential PCR inhibitors were determined by spiking semen with Chlamydophila (Cp.) abortus DNA. Detection limits of the 16Sig and IGS-S PCR were 10 templates, while the IGS-L PCR was less sensitive (100 templates). Of 25 semen samples that were collected from group A, one semen sample was positive for Cp. psittaci and two were positive for Chlamydia-like organisms by 16Sig PCR. Screening of sera from Swiss boars revealed three animals with positive reactions in the LPS-ELISA, although we failed to detect chlamydiae within organs of these or sera-negative animals by IHC or IGS-S PCR. In group B, 10 ejaculates were positive for Chlamydia (C.) suis and two were positive for Chlamydia-like organisms by 16S PCR. The identification of DNA from Chlamydia-like organisms in semen from both groups of boars was surprising and a role for these bacteria in reproductive diseases requires further assessment. In conclusion, the prevalence of chlamydial infection was low in group A animals indicating that venereal transmission may not be significant for Chlamydia-associated reproductive diseases in pigs, although rare cases may occur.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

The risk of inadvertent intrauterine device insertion in women carriers of endocervical Chlamydia trachomatis.

The most important complication attributed to the use of intrauterine device (IUD) is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), often associated with Neisseria or Chlamydia infection. Consequently, the IUD should not be inserted in women at risk of infection or with symptoms of endocervicitis. To evaluate the effectiveness of such a policy, a systematic investigation of Chlamydia and Neisseria was carried out among 407 contraceptive acceptors. Twenty-seven cases were positive for Chlamydia and none were positive for Neisseria. There were no statistical differences in the proportion of women with and without Chlamydia who had vulvovaginal or cervical signs or symptoms, although twice as many women had pain at pelvic exam in the Chlamydia-infected group. In 29 women in whom infection was clinically suspected, two were found to be infected with Chlamydia. IUD were not inserted in women suspected of having infection, but 19 of 327 IUD acceptors were subsequently found to have a positive Chlamydia test result. Two women returned with symptoms of PID and 17 were asymptomatic, but all were treated. PID was not suspected in any other subject. These results reinforce the need for careful selection of IUD acceptors and for thorough counseling for symptoms of PID and the need for immediate consultation.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Infection of human fibroblast-like synovial cells with Chlamydia trachomatis results in persistent infection and interleukin-6 production.

Recent studies have shown that the urogenital pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis to be a major bacterium triggering reactive arthritis (ReA), and is able to induce interleukin-6 (IL-6) production in human fibroblast-like synovial cells (FSC) in vitro. In the present study, we examined the correlation between IL-6 production and multiplication of chlamydia in FSC. All FSC from five patients secreted highly increased quantities of IL-6 in a dose-dependent and time-dependent fashion. Heat and UV inactivated chlamydia failed to enhance production of IL-6. When azithromycin was added to infected cultures of FSC at 0 or 48 h after infection, the level of IL-6 production was very low. Transmission electron microscopy of such infected cultures revealed many abnormal forms of chlamydia within the inclusions in FSC. From one step-growth curve experiments, it was suggested that C. trachomatis hardly multiplied in FSC. In contrast, in C. trachomatis infected HeLa 229 cells, chlamydia multiplied as usual, but little IL-6 production were found. These observations indicated that live chlamydia and the persistence of chlamydia may be essential for stimulating the synthesis of IL-6 in FSC.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Testing for cervical Chlamydia trachomatis infection in an inner city practice.

The aims of the study were to find the prevalence of cervical Chlamydia trachomatis infection in women attending for a speculum examination, to examine possible risk factors, and to see if we could develop a rational policy for testing for chlamydia in our deprived inner London practice. During 18 months 409 women aged 17-45 (mean 28) who attended for a cervical smear or vaginal examination were tested for chlamydia using the direct immunofluorescent test. They were assessed for possible risk factors: age less than 25, more than one sexual partner in the previous 3 months, sexual contact with men with urethritis, past history of chlamydia infection, purulent vaginal discharge, cervicitis and abnormal cervical cytology. Thirty-six women (8.8%) were chlamydia positive. Chlamydia infection was significantly associated with the presence of purulent vaginal discharge or an inflammatory cervical smear. In view of the prevalence of chlamydial cervicitis, the lack of symptoms and signs, and the potential consequences of untreated infection, ideally all young women in this population should be offered screening when they attend for a speculum examination. If this is not practical, chlamydia testing might be offered to women thought to be in high-risk groups including those with purulent vaginal discharge or an inflammatory cervical smear.

Adolescent↗