Chlamydia psittaci-eradicating antibiotic therapy as a potential therapeutic strategy against marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the ocular adnexa

Abstract

Abstract Background: Chlamydia psittaci (Ch.ps.) DNA has been detected in tumor tissue of 80% of patients with ocular adnexal lymphoma (OAL) and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 40% of them [Ferreri AJM, et al. J Natl Cancer Inst 96:586, 2004]. Chronic antigenic stimulation provided by Ch.ps. persistent infection may favor the development and sustaining of OAL. Removal of this stimulation with antibiotic therapy could result in lymphoma regression. Aim: To assess the rate of Ch.ps. eradication and anti-lymphoma activity of antibiotic therapy in OAL patients. Methods: Twelve patients with Ch.ps.-positive marginal zone B-cell lymphom..