CHLAMYDIA-TRACHOMATIS AS A POSSIBLE COFACTOR FOR KAPOSIS-SARCOMA IN AIDS

AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is much more frequent in patient s acquiring HIV infection via the sexual route. Epidemiological studie s have confirmed the likely involvement of a sexually acquired cofacto r in the pathogenesis of this form of KS. We have formulated a set of postulates, epidemiological and experimental, to fit a single unifying hypothetical agent. Chlamydia trachomatis is one of 3 agents to fit t he epidemiological criteria. Our data suggest a possible association b etween increased IgG serum antibody to C, trachomatis and the occurren ce of KS. Conversely, higher titres of IgG serum antibody to C. pneumo niae were associated with the absence of KS. We feel that it is import ant to study further the relationship between C. trachomatis and KS.