Serum Levels of Immunoglobulin A, G & M in Chlamydia trachomatis Infection among Primary and Secondary Infertility Patients

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis is a well- known sexually transmitted bacteria that is capable of damaging female reproductive tract leading to infertility. Chlamydia trachomatis infection in men can mechanically hinder sperm from reaching female reproductive tract.

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the serum levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) IgA, IgG & IgM in clinically diagnosed primary and secondary infertile patients that tested positive to Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antigen.

Study Design: In this case control study, two hundred male and female patients that visited Government hospital Ekpan due to inability to achieve pregnancy after a period of one year unprotected sexual intercourse were randomly selected for the study.

Place and Duration of Study: Government Hospital Ekpan, Delta state, between June, 2013 and August, 2013.

Methodology: Two hundred patients (104 men, 96 women; age range 18-45 years) that are clinically diagnosed with primary and secondary infertility and hospital staff (23 men, 27 women; age range 18-45 years) with no history of infertility were included. Chlamydia assay was done by Enzyme Immunosorbent Assay (EIA). IgA, IgG & IgM determination were done by Immunoturbidimetric method.

Results: The result of this study showed that the mean +/- SD of IgG g/dl in male infertility due to positive Chlamydia trachomatis infections; 301.22 +/- 43.86 g/dl, negative Chlamydia trachomatis infections; 333.14 +/- 40.08 g/dl and fertile male 337.09 +/- 40.89 g/dl were compared. The result showed statistically significant difference (F= 9.96; P= 0.05). Also the mean +/- SD of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in female infertility due to combined effect of positive Chlamydia trachomatis infection; 154.81 +/- 60.12 g/dl, negative Chlamydia trachomatis infection; 184.54 +/- 63.33 g/dl, and fertile female control; 137.96 +/- 87.11 g/dl without infertility were compared. The result showed statistically significant difference (F= 3.32; P= 0.05).

Conclusion: Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria are one of the causes of infertility in patients diagnosed of primary and secondary infertility at Government Hospital Ekpan.