Diagnostic possibilities for the determination of chlamydial infection in fetuses and newborn infants

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Objective. The finding of C. trachomatis in perinatally lost fetuses and in newborn infants born by natural route or by cesarean section.

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Methods. Cultural method was used to isolate of C. trachomatis in McCoy cells from internal organs of lost fetuses (lungs, trachea, liver, spleen, brain) and from the lower eyelid conjunctiva, posterior wall of the throat, vulva in girls and the 1-st urine portion in boys, as well as from the placenta and extraplacental membranes. C. trachomatis DNA was determined by PSR method, and C. trachomatis antigens were analysed by DIF and ELISA methods.

Results. From 1980 to 1999 there were studied 418 organs of 114 lost fetuses and newborn infants, and 1580 newborn (1476 of them were born vaginally and 104 — by cesarean section) were examined. C. trachomatis were found in 9.8% of newborn infants and in 23% in infants delivered by cesarean section. Chlamydiae were isolated from internal organs in 17.4% of perinatally lost fetuses and newborn infants. In placenta and extraplacental membranes C. trachomatis were found in 3.85% and 5.66% of cases, respectively.

Conclusion. Fetuses and newborn infants may be infected by C. trachomatis not only when passing through maternal delivery tract but also in utero in the presence of chorioamnionitis.