The role of serological testing for Chlamydia trachomatis in differential diagnosis of pelvic pain

Abstract

Introduction Pelvic pain is typically associated with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The most common cause of PID is Chlamydia trachomatis . The aim of this study was to verify the role of serological testing for Chlamydia trachomatis in patients with suspected PID. Material and Methods The retrospective study included 185 patients with pelvic pain hospitalized at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2003 and 2004. Titers of anti- Chlamydia trachomatis IgG and IgA were measured by means ELISA immunoassays. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) and leukocyte count (WBC) were also determined. Final diagnosis was established on the basis of laparoscopic examination. Results The presence of anti- Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies correlated significantly with abnormal values of ESR, WBC and CRP. The most common laparoscopic pathology were pelvic adhesions, typically found in women with elevated titers of anti- Chlamydia trachomatis IgG. Conclusions Serological examination for Chlamydia trachomatis is helpful in evaluation of patients with suspected PID. Elevated titers of anti- Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies are frequently associated with laparoscopic evidence of pelvic adhesions and inflammation.

Keywords

• Chlamydia trachomatis
• laparoscopy
• Pelvic Pain