Prevalence and risk factors for Chlamydia trachomatis seropositivity and seropersistence among women: A prospective cohort study

Abstract

Introduction Population-based Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) serology studies help evaluate the effectiveness of CT-control strategies. Determinants of CT seropersistence over time are largely unknown, but may include host genetic factors. This study aims to assess seropositivity, map antibody trajectories, and identify determinants of seropositivity and seropersistence. Methods We analyzed anti-chlamydial immunoglobulin G levels in serum of women of reproductive age who participated in a prospective cohort and CT screening study. CT history was determined using screening results and self-reported diagnoses from sexual debut onward. We assessed seropersistence for n = 1,405 participants with samples at baseline and after six years, and seropositivity for n = 2,997 participants with baseline samples. Multivariable logistic regression identified demographic, behavioral, and host single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) factors associated with seropersistence and seropositivity. Results Among seropositive women at baseline, 42.0% (n=118/281) were seropositive at follow-up. Seropersistence was more often found in women who reported treated asymptomatic and symptomatic CT infections as compared to those who did not (aOR: 3.74, 95%CI: 1.75–8.15 and 4.79, 95%CI: 2.42–9.47, respectively). Other associated factors were higher baseline antibody titers, carrying SNPs in TLR2 (aOR: 3.06, 95%CI: 1.31–7.36) and TLR9 (2.09, 95%CI: 1.09–4.08) genes and practical education (aOR: 3.16, 95%CI: 1.56–6.64). Seropositivity (24.9%, n=748/2,997) was associated with a CCR5 deletion (aOR: 0.65, 95%CI: 0.42–0.99). Conclusions CT seropersistence was more often found in women who reported treated CT infections as compared to women who did not report having had a CT infection or receiving treatment for it. Genetic predisposition and behavioral factors are linked to diversity in seropersistence patterns.