Is serology of any use when searching for correlations between Chlamydia trachomatis infection and male infertility?

ABSTRACT

Evidence on Chlamydia trachomatis causing male infertility is conflicting. We therefore collected data on epidemiological and clinical correlates of chlamydial infection and male fertility in 184 males visiting our Fertility Unit. Antibodies against Chlamydia trachomatis in serum and semen were also determined. Significant correlations were demonstrated between current chlamydial urethral infection and semen immunoglobulin (Ig) A, serum IgA and serum IgG. These parameters, however, were neither related to a history of sexually transmitted disease nor to lifetime number of sexual partners. Why, in the male, serology does not correlate with chlamydial infection in a more remote past is explained. Our data support, on epidemiological as well as serological grounds, the conclusion that chlamydial infection probably does not contribute significantly to male infertility.