Screening of Chlamydia trachomatis and Waddlia chondrophila Antibodies in Women with Tubal Factor Infertility

Waddlia chondrophilais an emerging intracellular pathogen belonging to the order ofChlamydiales, and was previously associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, as well as tubal factor infertility (TFI). In this study, we investigate the link between bothW. chondrophilaandChlamydia trachomatisIgG seropositivity and TFI. Antibodies against both bacteria were measured in 890 serum samples of women visiting a fertility clinic. After a hysterosalpingography and/or laparoscopy, they were classified as either TFI-negative (TFI-) or TFI-positive (TFI+). The total seroprevalence was 13.4% forC. trachomatisand 38.8% forW. chondrophila.C. trachomatisantibodies were present significantly more often in the TFI+ group than in the TFI- group, while forW. chondrophilano difference could be observed. In conclusion, our study confirms the association betweenC. trachomatisseropositivity and TFI, but no association was found betweenW. chondrophilaseropositivity and TFI. The high percentage ofW. chondrophilaseropositivity in all women attending a fertility clinic does, however, demonstrate the need for further research on thisChlamydia-like bacterium and its possible role in infertility.