Genital tract chlamydia infection - Symptoms, Causes, Images, and Treatment Options

Diseases

Highlights & Basics

Key Highlights

Genital tract chlamydia infections are one of the most frequently reported sexually transmitted infections.
Many infected individuals are asymptomatic.
In women, there may be cervical inflammation or yellow, cloudy discharge from the cervical os, resulting in vaginal discharge.
In men, there may be a discharge from the penis.
Nonculture techniques such as the nucleic acid amplification test are available and are the preferred diagnostic method. Tests in men are performed on urine or urethral samples. Tests in women are performed on urine, cervical, or vaginal samples (a vaginal swab is the specimen of choice), which are either clinician- or self-collected.

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History & Exam
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Definition

Epidemiology

Etiology

Pathophysiology

Citations

Key Articles

Nwokolo NC, Dragovic B, Patel S, et al. 2015 UK national guideline for the management of infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. Int J STD AIDS. 2016 Mar;27(4):251-67.[Abstract][Full Text]
Rowley J, Vander Hoorn S, Korenromp E, et al. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis and syphilis: global prevalence and incidence estimates, 2016. Bull World Health Organ. 2019 Aug 1;97(8):548-562P.[Abstract][Full Text]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted infections surveillance: national overview of STIs, 2022. Jan 2024 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PA, et al. Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021 Jul 23;70(4):1-187.[Abstract][Full Text]
US Preventive Services Task Force. Final recommendation statement. Chlamydia and gonorrhea: screening. Sept. 2021 [internet publication]. [Full Text]
Geisler WM, Uniyal A, Lee JY, et al. Azithromycin versus doxycycline for urogenital chlamydia trachomatis Infection. N Engl J Med. 2015 Dec 24;373(26):2512-21.[Abstract][Full Text]
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee opinion no. 737: expedited partner therapy. Jun 2018 [internet publication].[Full Text]

Other Online Resources

CDC: expedited partner therapy

Referenced Articles

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38. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee opinion no. 737: expedited partner therapy. Jun 2018 [internet publication].[Full Text]
39. Lau CY, Qureshi AK. Azithromycin versus doxycycline for genital chlamydial infections: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Sex Transm Dis. 2002 Sep;29(9):497-502.[Abstract]
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