The possible role of Chlamydia trachomatis in perineal suppurative hidradenitis

Objective: To find out if there is an association between perineal suppurative hidradenitis and Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Design: Open study. Subjects: Seven consecutive patients treated for perineal suppurative hidradenitis during the past three years, and 10 control subjects who were being treated for acute cryptogenic perianal abscesses. Main outcome measure: Presence of C. trachomatis detected by direct immunofluorescent staining. Results: All but one patient had serological evidence of C. trachomatis infection. All 10 control subjects failed to react to IgA antibodies to C. trachomatis, and two reacted to IgG antibodies. Conclusion: There may be a link between C. trachomatis infection and suppurative hidradenitis, but it is uncertain whether it is a direct cause or a predisposing factor.