[Serological evidence of infection by three species of Chlamydia in pregnant women in Mexico].

UNLABELLED:

Background

Chlamydiales are obligate intracellular pathogens causing a wide range of diseases in humans and animals.

BACKGROUND

Chlamydiales are obligate intracellular pathogens causing a wide range of diseases in humans and animals.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies to Chlamydophila psittaci, Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Chlamydia trachomatis in a group of pregnant women few hours before resolution of gestation, thus allowing for assessment of the potential effects in their pregnancy outcomes.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was done involving 110 hospitalized women for pregnancy resolution in two secondary care hospitals, one of Mexico City and other of Cuernavaca, Mor. Obstetric outcomes were followed in every case. Serum antibody measures were performed by microimmunofluorescence. Possible associations between seropositivity and pregnancy outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

110 pregnant women were studied, 85 were seropositive for any of the species (77.3%), of which 39 (46%) had antibodies to the three species, 27 against two (32%) and 19 (22%) against one. No associations of serologic results with obstetric complications were observed in these pregnant women. High socioeconomic status was found as a risk factor for seropositivity against C trachomatis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals high exposure to three species of Chlamydiaceae in Mexican pregnant women. Demonstrating complex interactions in two different places where all species are present. No correlation was found between seropositivity towards these Chlamydia species and pregnancy complications.