Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 3, 2026
A Human Fallopian Tube Model for Investigation of C. trachomatis Infections
Published on: August 11, 2012
Chlamydia trachomatis in the endometrium: can surgical pathologists identify plasma cells?
Abstract:
Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease. The authors examined the relation between chronic endometritis, which they term plasma cell endometritis (PCE), and chlamydial infection using plasmid-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemical staining (IHC) of paraffin-embedded endometrial sections. C. trachomatis infection was detected in 5 (24%) of 21 cases of PCE and in 1 (4%) of histologically normal endometrium. The diagnosis of chronic endometritis (with plasma cells confirmed by methyl green pyronin staining) was correctly made in 74% of the cases originally diagnosed as PCE and in 23% of control cases originally diagnosed as normal. The authors conclude that the histopathologic finding of plasma cells in endometrial samples should encourage further examination for chlamydial infection.
Insights
Chlamydia trachomatis infection, a common STD, is linked to plasma cell endometritis (PCE). Detecting plasma cells in endometrial tissue warrants further testing for chlamydial infection, a frequent cause of PCE.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted disease.
- Chronic endometritis, characterized by plasma cells, can impact reproductive health.
- Plasma cell endometritis (PCE) is a specific form of chronic endometritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Chlamydia trachomatis infection and plasma cell endometritis (PCE).
- To evaluate diagnostic methods for identifying chlamydial infection in endometrial tissues.
Main Methods:
- Plasmid-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect C. trachomatis DNA.
- Immunohistochemical staining (IHC) and methyl green pyronin staining were employed on paraffin-embedded endometrial sections.
- Histopathological analysis was performed on samples from PCE cases and control groups.
Main Results:
- Chlamydia trachomatis infection was identified in 24% of PCE cases versus 4% of normal endometrium controls.
- Histopathological diagnosis of chronic endometritis was accurate in 74% of PCE cases.
- The presence of plasma cells in endometrial samples is a significant indicator.
Conclusions:
- Histopathologic identification of plasma cells in endometrial biopsies suggests a potential link to Chlamydia trachomatis infection.
- Further investigation for chlamydial infection is recommended when plasma cells are observed in endometrial samples.
- This study highlights the importance of considering infectious etiologies in chronic endometritis.
