Sexual Health | Bacterial STIs and related conditions | Chlamydia Trachomatis: Natural History and Management

Chlamydia Trachomatis: Natural History and Management
Session Overview
Description
This session covers the pathogenesis and management of uncomplicated genital chlamydia, including antibiotic choice and appropriate advice and partner notification. The level is suitable for enhanced practitioners.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Describe the pathogenesis of infections by Chlamydia trachomatis, including life-cycle, virulence and host-defence mechanisms
• List uncomplicated presentations of chlamydia genital tract infection
• Manage chlamydia genital tract infection by identifying appropriate choice of antibiotics for the condition
• Give appropriate information to patients diagnosed with chlamydia regarding treatment, partner notification and sexual abstinence

Chlamydia trachomatis is a Gram-negative obligate bacterium belonging to the genus Chlamydia in the family Chlamydiaceae.

Genital infection with Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections.

The World Health Organisation estimates at least 90 million annual cases worldwide. More than 100,000 cases are diagnosed in the UK each year.

The primary anatomic sites of infection are the urethra only in heterosexual men and the urethra, rectum and pharynx in men who have sex with men. In women, the uterine cervix and urethra are most commonly infected; however, rectal infections are increasingly recognized in women.

Ascending infection from the cervix to the uterine body and Fallopian tubes may result in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which may carry significant morbidity and potential mortality from ectopic pregnancy as well as causing chronic pelvic pain.

Chlamydial PID can lead to scarring or blockage of the tubes, and is one of the most common causes of female infertility.

Since there may be few outward symptoms, chlamydia diagnosis and treatment can often be delayed, increasing the risk of long-term complications.