Abstract
Over the past two to three decades, Chlamydia trachomatis serology has been established as a useful, noninvasive and relatively inexpensive means of screening for the most common cause of tubal infertility. Currently, the most reliable laboratory assay in Chlamydia antibody testing is trachomatis type-specific micro-immunofluorescence. While a positive Chlamydia serology may be associated with other reproductive disorders, such as ectopic pregnancy, pelvic pain or habitual abortion, its clinical utility has only been established as a screening test for tubal infertility. Furthermore, when Chlamydia antibody testing is combined with hysterosalpingography for screening, the few patients who require laparoscopic salpingectomy or IVF can be clearly identified, while the majority of infertility patients with negative findings can avoid invasive diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.