Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using three different antigen preparations for detection of antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis

IgA antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis and metabolic syndrome

Chlamydia pneumoniae may trigger atherogenesis. Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) can also induce endothelial activation. However, its role in metabolic syndrome (METS), a proatherogenic entity, has remained unexplored. In this study the frequencies of IgA and IgG anti-CT antibodies were evaluated by immunoenzymatic assay in METS patients and healthy controls. The survey included 238 individuals (148 with METS). The mean age was 59.7 years. IgA anti-CT antibodies were found significantly more frequently in METS patients (16.9%) than in controls (5.6%) (P= 0.015). The role of such IgA response in METS should be further investigated.

Comparison of different methods for the detection of antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis in human sera

Different methods for the detection of IgG antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis were compared as to their specificity, sensitivity and efficacy. A modified microimmunofluorescence test (MIF) was used as a reference method. Two commercial ELISA tests kits (Chlamyset-antibody EIA, Orion, Finland and Chlamydelisa, Whittacker M.A. Bioproducts, USA), the complement fixation test (CFT) and five self-made ELISA tests with CFT antigens were compared with the reference method and with each other. In comparison to the reference method, the Chlamyset was found to be the most useful method. Three of the ELISA tests with CFT antigens were statistically comparable with the Chlamyset and the CFT, but the two others showed statistically significant differences. The Chlamydelisa and the MIF showed great differences from all other methods. The Chlamydelisa was very sensitive but apparently unspecific. Possible reasons for the different results are discussed.