Genetic Traits and Tubal Pathology in Women with Chlamydia Infections
Author Information
Author(s): Janneke E den Hartog, Sander Ouburg, Jolande A Land, Joseph M Lyons, James I Ito, A Salvador Peña, Servaas A Morré
Primary Institution: Academic Hospital Maastricht
Hypothesis
Do host genetic traits in the bacterial sensing system play a role in the development of Chlamydia trachomatis-associated tubal pathology in subfertile women?
Conclusion
Carrying multiple SNPs in C. trachomatis PRR genes tends to result in an aberrant immune response and a higher risk of tubal pathology following a C. trachomatis infection.
Supporting Evidence
- Carrying two or more SNPs in C. trachomatis PRR genes increases the risk of tubal pathology.
- 73% of women with two or more SNPs had tubal pathology compared to 33% with less than two SNPs.
- The study included only Dutch Caucasian women to control for ethnic background.
Takeaway
Some women have genes that make them more likely to get hurt by a Chlamydia infection, which can cause problems with their tubes and make it hard to have babies.
Methodology
227 subfertile women were tested for C. trachomatis IgG antibodies and genotyping of PRR genes was performed, followed by laparoscopy to assess tubal pathology.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and the differences in risk did not reach statistical significance.
Participant Demographics
Dutch Caucasian women who visited a fertility clinic due to subfertility.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.15
Statistical Significance
p=0.15
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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