IgM Chlamydia Trachomatis Antibodies in Cases of Melasma

Background

Melasma is an acquired photosensitive hypermelanosis in sun-exposed areas, especially seen in females. The exact cause of this disorder is not known. Association of melasma with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) has been described earlier. Chlamydia trachomatis is an important etilogical agent in acute and chronic PID and photosensitivity has been described in almost 50% cases of chronic lymphogranuloma venereum caused by 1.1, 1.2 and 13 serovars of C. trachomatis.

Method

Blood of 38 cases of melasma in women and 31 healthy females was tested for the presence of C. trachomatis IgM antibodies by ELISA.

Results

The average age of the patients was 35.6(range 19-51) years and that of controls was 38(range 24-55). 7(18.42%) and 5 (13.16%) of the patients of melasma were positive and borderline positive for IgM antibodies respectively. None of the healthy controls were positive. The difference was statistically significant.

Conclusion

Melasma in women is most likely due to photosensitivity to C.trachomatis in cases of chronic pelvic inflammatory disease.Key Words: Melasma, Chlamydia trachomatis infection