Khosla, Surabhi (2012) Is Chlamydia trachomatis a cofactor for cervical cancer? Australian Medical Student Journal, 3 (1). pp. 55-57.

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Abstract

Aim: To review the literature to determine if an infection with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) acts as a confounding factor in the pathogenesis of invasive cervical cancer (ICC) in women.

Methods: Web-based Medline and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) search for key terms: cervical cancer (including neoplasia, malignancy and carcinoma), chlamydia, human papillomavirus (HPV) and immunology. The search was restricted to English language publications on ICC (both squamous and adenocarcinoma) and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) between 1990-2010.

Results: HPV is essential but not sufficient to cause ICC. Past and current infection with CT is associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix of HPV-positive women. CT infection induces both protective and pathologic immune responses in the host that depend on the balance between Type-1 helper cells versus Type-2 helper cell-mediated immunity. CT most likely behaves as a cervical cancer cofactor by 1) invading the host immune system and 2) enhancing chronic inflammation. These factors increase the susceptibility of a subsequent HPV infection and build HPV persistence in the host.

Conclusion: Prophylaxis against CT is significant in reducing the incidence of ICC in HPVposi tive women. GPs should be raising awareness of the association between CT and ICC in their patients.

Item ID:	21984
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1837-1728
Date Deposited:	15 Jun 2012 02:11
FoR Codes:	11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1112 Oncology and Carcinogenesis > 111299 Oncology and Carcinogenesis not elsewhere classified @ 50% 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1114 Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine > 111402 Obstetrics and Gynaecology @ 50%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9201 Clinical Health (Organs, Diseases and Abnormal Conditions) > 920102 Cancer and Related Disorders @ 100%
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