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IgM Chlamydia Trachomatis Antibodies in Cases of Melasma
1Senior Advisor (Dermatology and STD), Base Hospital, Barrackpore.
Background:
Melasma is an acquired photosensitive hypermelanosis in sun-exposed areas, especially seen in females. The exact cause of this disorder is not known. Association of melasma with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) has been described earlier. Chlamydia trachomatis is an important etilogical agent in acute and chronic PID and photosensitivity has been described in almost 50% cases of chronic lymphogranuloma venereum caused by 1.1, 1.2 and 13 serovars of C. trachomatis.
Method:
Blood of 38 cases of melasma in women and 31 healthy females was tested for the presence of C. trachomatis IgM antibodies by ELISA.
Results:
The average age of the patients was 35.6(range 19-51) years and that of controls was 38(range 24-55). 7(18.42%) and 5 (13.16%) of the patients of melasma were positive and borderline positive for IgM antibodies respectively. None of the healthy controls were positive. The difference was statistically significant.
Conclusion:
Melasma in women is most likely due to photosensitivity to C.trachomatis in cases of chronic pelvic inflammatory disease.
Insights
Melasma in women may be linked to photosensitivity caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, a common agent in pelvic inflammatory disease. This study found higher IgM antibodies in melasma patients compared to healthy controls.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Melasma is a common skin condition causing hyperpigmentation in sun-exposed areas, particularly in women.
- The exact cause of melasma remains unknown, but associations with other conditions have been noted.
- Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and its causative agent, Chlamydia trachomatis, have been previously linked to melasma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential association between Chlamydia trachomatis infection and melasma in women.
- To determine if C. trachomatis IgM antibodies are more prevalent in women with melasma compared to healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from 38 women diagnosed with melasma and 31 healthy female controls.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the presence of C. trachomatis IgM antibodies in all participants.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant difference was observed in the prevalence of C. trachomatis IgM antibodies between the two groups.
- 18.42% of melasma patients tested positive, and 13.16% were borderline positive for IgM antibodies.
- None of the healthy controls showed positive results for C. trachomatis IgM antibodies.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a likely association between melasma in women and photosensitivity triggered by C. trachomatis.
- This photosensitivity may be a consequence of chronic pelvic inflammatory disease caused by C. trachomatis.
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