Chlamydia (chlamydia infection)

Chla­my­dia infec­tions are among the most com­mon sexu­al­ly trans­mit­ted dise­a­ses world­wi­de. They are cau­sed by the bac­te­ri­um Chla­my­dia trachoma­tis and main­ly affect young, sexu­al­ly acti­ve peo­p­le bet­ween 15 and 25 years of age. Trans­mis­si­on occurs pri­ma­ri­ly during unpro­tec­ted sexu­al inter­cour­se, whe­ther vagi­nal, anal or oral. The infec­tion can also be pas­sed from mother to new­born during birth.

Sym­ptoms

What makes the infec­tion par­ti­cu­lar­ly insi­dious is that around 70 to 80 per­cent of infec­ted women and 50 per­cent of infec­ted men have no or only mild sym­ptoms. The infec­tion the­r­e­fo­re often goes unno­ti­ced for a long time but is still trans­mit­ted. In women, increased dischar­ge, bur­ning on uri­na­ti­on, spot­ting bet­ween peri­ods or lower abdo­mi­nal pain may occur. In men, dischar­ge from the ure­thra, bur­ning on uri­na­ti­on or testi­cu­lar pain may develop.

If left unt­rea­ted, a chla­my­dia infec­tion can have serious con­se­quen­ces. In women it can lead to inflamm­a­ti­on of the fallo­pian tubes and ova­ries, which may result in adhe­si­ons and infer­ti­li­ty. Ecto­pic pregnan­ci­es also occur more fre­quent­ly. In men, an unt­rea­ted infec­tion can lead to inflamm­a­ti­on of the epididy­mis and, in the worst case, to infer­ti­li­ty. The dia­gno­sis is made by a swab or uri­ne test in which the bac­te­ri­um is detec­ted by PCR.

Tre­at­ment

Tre­at­ment is simp­le and effec­ti­ve with anti­bio­tics, usual­ly azi­thro­my­cin as a sin­gle dose or doxy­cy­cli­ne over seven days. It is important that the part­ner is trea­ted at the same time to avo­id rein­fec­tion. Sexu­al inter­cour­se should be avo­ided during tre­at­ment. Con­doms pro­vi­de relia­ble pro­tec­tion against infec­tion and should be used consistently.