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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
09:11
A Human Fallopian Tube Model for Investigation of C. trachomatis Infections
Published on: August 11, 2012
Association between Chlamydia trachomatis and abnormal uterine bleeding.
Miklos Toth1, Dorothy L Patton, Benjamin Esquenazi
1Department of OB/GYN, Hill Hospital, New York, NY, USA.
Summary
Chlamydia trachomatis infection is common in abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). Macrophages in endometrial tissue are a strong indicator of this infection, suggesting current prevalence estimates for Chlamydia trachomatis may be low.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic pathology
- Reproductive infectious diseases
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) affects many premenopausal women.
- Chlamydia trachomatis infection is a common cause of pelvic inflammation.
- The endometrial inflammatory response to C. trachomatis in AUB is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific inflammatory markers in endometrial tissues of women diagnosed with AUB.
- To investigate the association between C. trachomatis infection and these markers.
Main Methods:
- Endometrial specimens from 92 women with AUB were analyzed.
- Chlamydia trachomatis was detected using a species-specific monoclonal antibody (MOMP).
- Histopathology evaluated inflammatory cell infiltration, including plasma cells, macrophages, and lymphocytes, with logistic regression and ROC curve analysis.
Main Results:
- Chlamydia trachomatis was detected in 48% of AUB specimens.
- Positive C. trachomatis (MOMP) correlated significantly with increased plasma cells, macrophages, and lymphocytic foci.
- Macrophages demonstrated the highest diagnostic accuracy (AUC=0.82) for predicting C. trachomatis.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of C. trachomatis in women with AUB is likely underestimated.
- Macrophages are a significant histopathological marker for detecting C. trachomatis in the endometrium.
- This finding aids in diagnosing C. trachomatis in women with AUB.
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