SLE is an autoimmune condition affecting predominantly women. Little is known regarding <i>Chlamydia trachomatis</i> infection in women with SLE, which may drive autoimmunity and contribute to obstetrical and vascular complications.
This single-centre, case-control study set primary endpoint in the comparative seropositivity rate to <i>C. trachomatis</i> major outer membrane protein (MOMP) and chlamydial heat-shock protein-60 (cHSP60) in age-matched subjects. The secondary endpoints were obstetrical outcomes, cardiovascular events and results from screening procedures for cervical cancer.
Eighty-four women with SLE and 50 age-matched controls were included. Seropositivity to <i>C. trachomatis</i> did not differ significantly between groups (10% of cases positive for anti-MOMP vs 12% of controls; 43% of cases positive for anti-cHSP60 vs 32% of controls). Women with SLE were more often of non-Caucasian ethnicity and had lower educational level. They relied less frequently on oral contraception and resorted more frequently to elective pregnancy termination. Pre-eclampsia and ectopic pregnancy occurred only in SLE. Women with SLE also experienced more cardiovascular events. In SLE, antibodies to cHSP60 were associated with a history of pericarditis and abnormal screening tests for cervical cancer. Antibody titres to <i>C. trachomatis</i> were not associated with disease activity or SLE treatment, nor were there associations with other gynaecological, obstetrical or vascular outcomes.
Prevalence of antibodies to <i>C. trachomatis</i> was not increased in women with SLE. No significant association was found between these antibodies and obstetrical or cardiovascular complications.