Serum Levels of Immunoglobulin A, G & M in Chlamydia trachomatis Infection among Primary and Secondary Infertility Patients
Dele-Ochie Patricia Ejenawome
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria
Ifeanyichukwu Martin Ositadinma *
Department of Immunology, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria
Ngwu Amauche Martina
Department of Hematology and Immunology, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria
Ebunu Ezekiel
General Hospital Ekpan, Delta State, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
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.
Keywords: Chlamydia trachomatis, infertility, IgA, IgG, IgM