Association of Chlamydia trachomatis and HLA B27 in ankylosing spondylitis in an unmarried sexually active young adult

Abstract

This case report highlights the association of Chlamydia trachomatis infection leading to development of ankylosing spondylitis. A young promiscuous adult presented with a bubo in left groin for 10 days in STI clinic in Government Medical College Hospital, Nagpur. He gave history of urethral discharge thrice in a year. He also had low backache for 3-4 months and recently developed pain in the left knee. Nonspecific investigations revealed raised inflammatory markers and IgM and IgG antibodies against C trachomatis. C trachomatis antigen was demonstrated by direct fluorescent antibody test. The infection responded to 21-day course of doxycycline. Joint pain responded to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.