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Chlamydiae in human intestinal biopsy samples
Nicole Borel1, Hanna Marti1, Andreas Pospischil1
1Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
Pathogens and Disease
|November 17, 2018
Summary
Chlamydia trachomatis DNA was found in intestinal biopsies, suggesting potential colonization of the gastrointestinal tract. Further research is needed to confirm if this indicates an active infection or asymptomatic carriage.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chlamydia trachomatis is commonly found in anorectal samples.
- A hypothesis suggests C. trachomatis may asymptomatically colonize the gastrointestinal tract as a commensal organism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of chlamydial DNA and antigen in intestinal biopsy samples.
- To explore the hypothesis of C. trachomatis as a gastrointestinal commensal.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of intestinal biopsy samples from patients with "chlamydia" in histopathology reports (cases) and controls.
- Real-time PCR using 23S ribosomal RNA for Chlamydiaceae DNA detection.
- Immunohistochemistry to identify chlamydial inclusions.
Main Results:
- Chlamydial DNA (C. trachomatis and C. abortus) was detected in intestinal biopsies from a subset of patients.
- Chlamydial inclusions were identified in rectal or appendiceal samples of two patients.
- Findings in some cases were consistent with sexually acquired C. trachomatis.
Conclusions:
- Chlamydial DNA can be detected in intestinal biopsies proximal to the anorectal site.
- The presence of DNA/antigen does not confirm active infection; further studies are required.
- Larger prospective studies on fresh tissue are needed to validate these findings.
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