Chlamydia
What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia trachomatis, a bacterium, causes chlamydia infection, which is the most frequent bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the U.S. The majority of infections do not cause symptoms and are detected through screening tests. Symptoms of chlamydia, when present, are similar to those of gonorrhea. These two infections can present as co-infections in the same person and their partner(s).
Signs and symptoms
- Many people with infection do not have symptoms (asymptomatic).
- Females may have cervical discharge with swelling, redness, and bleeding. Complications can include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and chronic pelvic pain.
- Males may have urethritis, characterized by a whitish or clear discharge, and painful or difficult urination. Complications can include epididymitis, infertility, and reactive arthritis (Reiter’s syndrome).
Incubation period
Usually one to three weeks.
Contagious period and spread
- Spread through sexual contact: oral, anal, and vaginal.
- Individuals remain infectious for up to seven days after completion of treatment.
Public health reporting requirements
Chlamydia infections must be reported by laboratory and health care providers to the state or local public health agency within four days of a suspected or confirmed diagnosis.
The possibility of sexual abuse must be considered when infections occur in prepubescent children and must be reported to appropriate authorities.
Control of spread
- No exclusions or environmental interventions are necessary. STIs require close intimate physical contact for transmission, virtually always of a sexual nature.
- People with infection should be examined by a health care provider and treated as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed to prevent complications. Treatment of partner(s) is a crucial strategy to prevent reinfection. People with infection should seek medical care if symptoms persist or recur. Parental consent is not required for minors to be examined and treated.
- People with infection should avoid sexual activity until they and their partner(s) are treated and cured.
- People with infection should abstain from sex or use condoms to prevent future infections.
- General education on STI prevention is advocated.
Treatment
Treatment is with antibiotics. Concurrent treatment of sex partner(s) with same regimen is essential to prevent reinfection or spread of disease.
Exclusion
No exclusions or environmental interventions are necessary. STIs require close intimate physical contact for transmission, virtually always of a sexual nature.
Role of teachers, caregivers, and family
- General education about sexual health and STI prevention is recommended.
- Infections in prepubescent children and other high-risk individuals (those who cannot consent to sexual contact for any reason) must be reported to appropriate authorities to address the possibility of sexual abuse.