Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

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.
Problem:
The purpose was to identify distinct inflammatory markers in endometrial tissues of women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and Chlamydia trachomatis infection.
Method Of Study:
Archived endometrial specimens from 92 randomly selected premenopausal women with AUB were examined for C. trachomatis using the species-specific monoclonal antibody against major outer membrane protein (MOMP) and for histopathology associated with inflammation. Statistical analyses included single and multiple logistic regression. Diagnostic accuracy was summarized using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.
Results:
Chlamydia trachomatis was detected in 44 (48%) of 92 AUB specimens. There were statistically significant correlations of positive MOMP with higher counts of plasma cells (P < 0.01), macrophages (P < 0.0001), and lymphocytic foci (P = 0.01). The ROC curve for macrophages was the strongest predictor (area under the curve = 0.82) for C. trachomatis.
Conclusion:
The prevalence of C. trachomatis in women with AUB is under-estimated. Macrophages appear to be a strong marker for the presence of C. trachomatis in the endometrium.
Related Concept Videos
Trichomoniasis
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Bacterial Phylum Chlamydiae
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology
Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction