Chlamydia: Difference between revisions
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{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Chlamydia | |||
| image = [[File:Pap_smear_showing_clamydia_in_the_vacuoles_500x_H&E.jpg|left|thumb|Chlamydia in a Pap smear]] | |||
| caption = Pap smear showing Chlamydia in the vacuoles | |||
| field = [[Infectious disease]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Genital discharge]], [[burning sensation during urination]], [[pelvic pain]] | |||
| complications = [[Pelvic inflammatory disease]], [[infertility]], [[ectopic pregnancy]] | |||
| onset = 1–3 weeks after exposure | |||
| duration = Can be persistent if untreated | |||
| causes = ''[[Chlamydia trachomatis]]'' | |||
| risks = [[Unprotected sex]], multiple sexual partners | |||
| diagnosis = [[Nucleic acid amplification test]] (NAAT), [[urine test]], [[swab test]] | |||
| differential = [[Gonorrhea]], [[trichomoniasis]], [[bacterial vaginosis]] | |||
| prevention = [[Condom]] use, regular [[screening]] | |||
| treatment = [[Antibiotics]] such as [[azithromycin]] or [[doxycycline]] | |||
| frequency = Most common [[sexually transmitted infection]] worldwide | |||
| deaths = Rare, but complications can be severe | |||
}} | |||
{{SI}} | {{SI}} | ||
Chlamydia is a [[sexually transmitted disease]] caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. | |||
[[File:Pap smear showing clamydia in the vacuoles 500x H&E.jpg|left|thumb|Pap smear showing clamydia in the vacuoles 500x H&E]] | |||
=='''Causes, incidence, and risk factors'''== | =='''Causes, incidence, and risk factors'''== | ||
Chlamydia infection is caused by the organism Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Sexually active individuals and individuals with multiple partners are at highest risk. | Chlamydia infection is caused by the organism Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Sexually active individuals and individuals with multiple partners are at highest risk. | ||
Chlamydia may be acquired jointly with [[gonorrhea]] and/or syphilis, so individuals with one sexually transmitted disease must be screened for other sexually transmitted diseases as well. Untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic infection and [[infertility]]. | Chlamydia may be acquired jointly with [[gonorrhea]] and/or syphilis, so individuals with one sexually transmitted disease must be screened for other sexually transmitted diseases as well. Untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic infection and [[infertility]]. | ||
In men, chlamydia may produce symptoms similar to those of gonorrhea (discharge from penis or rectum, burning on urination or defecation), and can also cause epididymitis and orchitis. However, up to 25% of infected men may have no symptoms. | In men, chlamydia may produce symptoms similar to those of gonorrhea (discharge from penis or rectum, burning on urination or defecation), and can also cause epididymitis and orchitis. However, up to 25% of infected men may have no symptoms. | ||
Chlamydia (female): only approximately 30% of women will have symptoms due to chlamydia -- hence screening sexually active women for chlamydia is necessary to diagnose and treat asymptomatic women in order to decrease the risk of developing complications. Women who do have symptoms may note vaginal discharge, burning on urination, or abdominal pain. | Chlamydia (female): only approximately 30% of women will have symptoms due to chlamydia -- hence screening sexually active women for chlamydia is necessary to diagnose and treat asymptomatic women in order to decrease the risk of developing complications. Women who do have symptoms may note vaginal discharge, burning on urination, or abdominal pain. | ||
Untreated infection may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes and result in infertility. Tubal scarring also increases the likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy). | Untreated infection may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes and result in infertility. Tubal scarring also increases the likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy). | ||
If a women is infected with chlamydia while pregnant, the infection can cause premature labor and delivery. In addition, the infant may develop chlamydial conjunctivitis (eye infection) and chlamydial pneumonia. | If a women is infected with chlamydia while pregnant, the infection can cause premature labor and delivery. In addition, the infant may develop chlamydial conjunctivitis (eye infection) and chlamydial pneumonia. | ||
=='''Symptoms '''== | =='''Symptoms '''== | ||
''MALE'' | ''MALE'' | ||
*burning sensation during urination | *burning sensation during urination | ||
*discharge from the penis | *discharge from the penis | ||
| Line 37: | Line 45: | ||
*rectal discharge or pain | *rectal discharge or pain | ||
''FEMALE'' | ''FEMALE'' | ||
*vaginal discharge | *vaginal discharge | ||
*burning sensation during urination | *burning sensation during urination | ||
| Line 47: | Line 53: | ||
*rectal pain or discharge | *rectal pain or discharge | ||
=='''Signs and tests'''== | =='''Signs and tests'''== | ||
The diagnosis of chlamydia infection involves sampling of the urethral discharge in males or cervical secretions in females. If an individual engages in anal sexual contact, samples from the rectum may also be needed. The sample is sent for a fluorescent or monoclonal antibody test, DNA probe test or cell culture. Some of these tests may also be performed on urine samples. | The diagnosis of chlamydia infection involves sampling of the urethral discharge in males or cervical secretions in females. If an individual engages in anal sexual contact, samples from the rectum may also be needed. The sample is sent for a fluorescent or monoclonal antibody test, DNA probe test or cell culture. Some of these tests may also be performed on urine samples. | ||
===='''Treatment'''==== | ===='''Treatment'''==== | ||
The mainstay of therapy for chlamydia includes appropriate antibiotic treatment -- these include: tetracyclines, azithromycin or erythromycin. All sexual contacts should be screened for chlamydia. | The mainstay of therapy for chlamydia includes appropriate antibiotic treatment -- these include: tetracyclines, azithromycin or erythromycin. All sexual contacts should be screened for chlamydia. | ||
Sexual partners must be treated to prevent passing the infection back and forth. There is no significant immunity following the infection and a person may become repeatedly infected. | Sexual partners must be treated to prevent passing the infection back and forth. There is no significant immunity following the infection and a person may become repeatedly infected. | ||
A follow-up evaluation may be done in 4 weeks to determine if the infection has been cured. | A follow-up evaluation may be done in 4 weeks to determine if the infection has been cured. | ||
=='''Expectations (prognosis)'''== | =='''Expectations (prognosis)'''== | ||
Early antibiotic treatment is extremely successful and may prevent the development of long-term complications. Untreated infection, however, may lead to PID, scarring and ultimately infertility. | Early antibiotic treatment is extremely successful and may prevent the development of long-term complications. Untreated infection, however, may lead to PID, scarring and ultimately infertility. | ||
=='''Complications'''== | =='''Complications'''== | ||
*[[pelvic inflammatory disease]] (PID) | *[[pelvic inflammatory disease]] (PID) | ||
*[[salpingitis]] | *[[salpingitis]] | ||
| Line 80: | Line 76: | ||
*[[ectopic pregnancy]] | *[[ectopic pregnancy]] | ||
Because a significant proportion of individuals with chlamydia may not have any symptoms, sexually active adults (in particular women with new or multiple partners) should be screened periodically for chlamydia. | Because a significant proportion of individuals with chlamydia may not have any symptoms, sexually active adults (in particular women with new or multiple partners) should be screened periodically for chlamydia. | ||
=='''Prevention'''== | =='''Prevention'''== | ||
Safe sexual practices and consistent condom use are important prevention measures to help decrease infection with chlamydia. In addition, sexually active individuals (in particular women with new or multiple sexual partners) should be periodically screened for chlamydia. | Safe sexual practices and consistent condom use are important prevention measures to help decrease infection with chlamydia. In addition, sexually active individuals (in particular women with new or multiple sexual partners) should be periodically screened for chlamydia. | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 02:09, 5 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
| Chlamydia | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Genital discharge, burning sensation during urination, pelvic pain |
| Complications | Pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy |
| Onset | 1–3 weeks after exposure |
| Duration | Can be persistent if untreated |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Chlamydia trachomatis |
| Risks | Unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners |
| Diagnosis | Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), urine test, swab test |
| Differential diagnosis | Gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis |
| Prevention | Condom use, regular screening |
| Treatment | Antibiotics such as azithromycin or doxycycline |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide |
| Deaths | Rare, but complications can be severe |
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors[edit]
Chlamydia infection is caused by the organism Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Sexually active individuals and individuals with multiple partners are at highest risk.
Chlamydia may be acquired jointly with gonorrhea and/or syphilis, so individuals with one sexually transmitted disease must be screened for other sexually transmitted diseases as well. Untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic infection and infertility.
In men, chlamydia may produce symptoms similar to those of gonorrhea (discharge from penis or rectum, burning on urination or defecation), and can also cause epididymitis and orchitis. However, up to 25% of infected men may have no symptoms.
Chlamydia (female): only approximately 30% of women will have symptoms due to chlamydia -- hence screening sexually active women for chlamydia is necessary to diagnose and treat asymptomatic women in order to decrease the risk of developing complications. Women who do have symptoms may note vaginal discharge, burning on urination, or abdominal pain.
Untreated infection may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes and result in infertility. Tubal scarring also increases the likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy).
If a women is infected with chlamydia while pregnant, the infection can cause premature labor and delivery. In addition, the infant may develop chlamydial conjunctivitis (eye infection) and chlamydial pneumonia.
Symptoms [edit]
MALE
- burning sensation during urination
- discharge from the penis
- testicular tenderness or pain
- rectal discharge or pain
FEMALE
- vaginal discharge
- burning sensation during urination
- painful sexual intercourse
- symptoms of PID, salpingitis, perihepatitis (liver inflammation similar to hepatitis) -- see *the individual diseases for symptoms
- rectal pain or discharge
Signs and tests[edit]
The diagnosis of chlamydia infection involves sampling of the urethral discharge in males or cervical secretions in females. If an individual engages in anal sexual contact, samples from the rectum may also be needed. The sample is sent for a fluorescent or monoclonal antibody test, DNA probe test or cell culture. Some of these tests may also be performed on urine samples.
Treatment[edit]
The mainstay of therapy for chlamydia includes appropriate antibiotic treatment -- these include: tetracyclines, azithromycin or erythromycin. All sexual contacts should be screened for chlamydia.
Sexual partners must be treated to prevent passing the infection back and forth. There is no significant immunity following the infection and a person may become repeatedly infected.
A follow-up evaluation may be done in 4 weeks to determine if the infection has been cured.
Expectations (prognosis)[edit]
Early antibiotic treatment is extremely successful and may prevent the development of long-term complications. Untreated infection, however, may lead to PID, scarring and ultimately infertility.
Complications[edit]
Because a significant proportion of individuals with chlamydia may not have any symptoms, sexually active adults (in particular women with new or multiple partners) should be screened periodically for chlamydia.
Prevention[edit]
Safe sexual practices and consistent condom use are important prevention measures to help decrease infection with chlamydia. In addition, sexually active individuals (in particular women with new or multiple sexual partners) should be periodically screened for chlamydia.
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