[Isolation of Chlamydia trachomatis and immune response in different populations]. / Aislamiento de Chlamydia trachomatis y respuesta inmune en diferentes poblaciones.

ABSTRACT

We studied the presence of C. trachomatis-specific IgG and IgM in adults and newborns, respectively, and attempted isolation of the bacteria in cell culture. The determination of antibodies was carried out by an IFA on C. trachomatis infected (L2 434/Bu serotype) McCoy cells, cultured in 24-well plastic plates. We found C. trachomatis-specific IgG in 27% of women with clinical symptoms, in 40% of women being attended for periodic gynecological control, in 60% of infertile women and in 10% of pregnant women. A proportion comparison test revealed the presence of specific IgG as highly significative for the group of infertile women as compared to the group of pregnant women (p < 0.0001). We divided the patients into four groups, in relation to the results of the tests for specific IgG and C. trachomatis isolation. Seven out of 10 had positive isolation and negative IFA, 5 out of 8 had positive isolation and negative IFA. Twenty five out of 28 pregnant women had negative isolation and positive IFA, finally, 63 out of 76 had both tests negative. Statistical analysis using the McNemar proportion-comparison test suggests that IgG's presence is highly significant in pregnant women with respect to other groups (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that the demonstration of IgG is not enough for diagnostic purposes, except in infertile women with a previous history of infection with C. trachomatis. We isolated C. trachomatis in 20% of the newborns tested and 10% were also positive for IgM IFA. The diagnosis was improved by combining both techniques. These results show the importance of the detection of C. trachomatis in youngsters to avoid infertility and in pregnant women to prevent newborn infections and the possibility of premature births and low weight babies.