CHLAMYDIA ANTIBODIES AMONG COPPERY INTRAUTERINE CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICE USERS

Abstract

Approximately 60 million women use the intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) worldwide. IUCD constitutes one of the most accepted and widely used methods of contraception especially in the developing countries. Several studies have demonstrated an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women using intrauterine contraceptive devices. The role of chlamydia trachomatis in causing Pill among IUCD users is not clear. The aim of this study is to measure the anti-chlamydia antibodies in the serum of copper T IUCD users and compare with those of non-users. This study included 100 women from the outpatient clinic of Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital from August 1997 to January 1998. They were divided into two groups: the first groups consisted of 50 women who used copper IUCD; the second group consisted of 50 women who had never used copper IUCD. Each woman was examined for the presence of IgG antibodies against chlamydia trachomatis in the serum using ELISA technique. Among· the 50 women who used copper IUCD, 28 women (58%) had chlamydia antibodies, while chlamydia antibodies were not detected in 20 women (42%). Among the 50 women who had never used copper IUCD, 14 (31%) were seropositive for chlamydia) infection while 31 (69%) women were seronegative. There was a statistically significant difference between users and non-users (P<O.Ol). The duration of marriage had no statistically significant difference to chlamydia) infection either in copper T IUCD users on non-users (P>0.05).