Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in fallopian tube tissue in women with postinfectious tubal infertility

OBJECTIVE: Biopsy tissues from women with postinfectious tubal infertility were studied for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis. STUDY DESIGN: Tubal biopsy specimens from 25 women with postinfectious tubal infertility undergoing laparoscopy for repair of fallopian tubes were evaluated by culture, in situ hybridization, immunocytochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis. Serum was also tested for Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies. RESULTS:Chlamydia trachomatis was detected in postinfectious tubal biopsy specimens in three of 25 patients by culture, 12 of 24 by in situ hybridization, 15 of 22 by immunoperoxidase stain, and two of 10 by transmission electron microscopy, Serum antibody against Chlamydia trachomatis was detected in 15 of 21 patients. CONCLUSION:Chlamydia trachomatis deoxyribonucleic acid or antigens were detected at a high percentage (19/24 women) in the biopsy tissues of the fimbrial and peritubal adhesions by in situ hybridization or immunoperoxidase stain, suggesting a persistent infection in these women even after antibiotic treatment.