| Information from CDC
Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most common bacterial sexually transmissible infection (STI) in the world. Often under-estimated because of its clinical subtlety, it is the leading cause of pelvic infections, preventable infertility and ectopic pregnancy in wealthier nations. In men, C. trachomatis is a common cause of frequently asymptomatic urethritis, which may lead to epididymitis.
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Chlamydia trachomatis infection
An infection of the genital tract (in both men and women) caused by a bacterium (Chlamydia trachomatis).
In men, chlamydia may produce a urethritis (infection of the urethra, the urinary canal leading from the bladder to exit at the tip of the penis). A discharge from the penis may be present but many infections have no symptoms. Occasionally, infection may spread to the epididymis (storage tubes for sperm overlying the testes in the testicles).
In women, the cervix (opening of the uterus at the top of the vagina) becomes infected and most infections do not produce symptoms. From the cervix, the infection may spread to the fallopian tubes (tubes leading from the ovary to the uterus) causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Pelvic inflammatory disease due to chlamydia is often without symptoms but if untreated, may lead to scarring of the fallopian tubes and ectopic (tubal) pregnancy or eventual infertility.
Chlamydia trachomatis can cause conjunctivitis (inflammation of the lining of the eyelids and eye) in adults. Babies born to infected mothers can become infected as they pass through the infected cervix and may develop conjunctivitis or pneumonia caused by chlamydia soon after birth.
Chlamydia infection is diagnosed by examination and culture of a sample of cervical or urethral discharge.
Adult chlamydia infection is a sexually transmitted disease. Babies may be infected as they pass through an infected cervix at birth.
Incubation period
1-3 weeks.
Infectious period
Unknown.
Control of spread
- No sex, or use condoms, until antibiotic treatment is completed.
- A follow-up test must be done to make sure that treatment has cleared the infection.
- Testing and treatment of sexual partners at the same time.
- Testing to exclude other sexually transmissible diseases is advisable.
Treatment
Effective antibiotic treatment is available on prescription from a doctor.
Chlamydia trachomatis infection is a notifiable disease.
