Chlamydia trachomatisandMycoplasma genitaliumPlasma Antibodies in Relation to Epithelial Ovarian Tumors

Abstract

Objective. To assess associations ofChlamydia trachomatisandMycoplasma genitaliumantibodies with epithelial ovarian tumors.Methods. Plasma samples from 291 women, undergoing surgery due to suspected ovarian pathology, were analyzed with respect toC. trachomatisIgG and IgA, chlamydial Heat Shock Protein 60-1 (cHSP60-1) IgG andM. genitaliumIgG antibodies. Women with borderline tumors (n=12), ovarian carcinoma (n=45), or other pelvic malignancies (n=11) were matched to four healthy controls each.Results. Overall, there were no associations of antibodies with EOC. However, chlamydial HSP60-1 IgG antibodies were associated with type II ovarian cancer (P=.002) in women with plasma samples obtained >1 year prior to diagnosis (n=7).M. genitaliumIgG antibodies were associated with borderline ovarian tumors (P=.01).Conclusion. Chlamydial HSP60-1 IgG andM. genitaliumIgG antibodies are in this study associated with epithelial ovarian tumors in some subsets, which support the hypothesis linking upper-genital tract infections and ovarian tumor development.