Objective: Summarization of recent knowledge on heat shock proteins (HSPs) of human and bacterial (chlamydial) origin and their participation in fertility disturbances. Design: Review article for training of physicians (gynecologists and obstetricians). Setting: Veterinary Research Institute, Brno. Method and results: The subject of the study is heat shock protein - hsp60 as a significant epitope Chlamydia trachomatis. Heat shock proteins are induced as a response to various stress insults from external environment (hyperthermy, UV radiation, free oxygen radicals, heavy metals, ethanol etc.) and certain processes related to the cell cycle. Sensitization with the heat shock protein Chlamydia trachomatis and subsequent excretion of highly homologous human heat shock protein are co-operating factors in the development of fertility disturbances. Significant levels of IgA antibodies to hsp60 occur in cervical mucus of women and in seminal plasma of men with fertility disturbances. Conclusion: Preceding infection C. trachomatis and resulting sensitization with chlamydial heat shock protein indicate an unfavourable prognosis of the reproductive outcome and impairs the perspective of a successful in vitro fertilization.

        Key words: C. trachomatis, hsp60, fertility disturbances