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 ChlamydiaCauses and Risks:Chlamydia infection is caused by the organism Chlamydia trachomatis. It is thought to be the most common sexually-transmitted disease in the United States with an estimated 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 cases per year. (In comparison; 2,000,000 cases of gonorrhea , reported and unreported, are thought to occur in the United States annually). The incidence is higher among lower socioeconomic groups and among teenagers. Chlamydia is significantly important because of the consequences of untreated infection. The majority of genital chlamydia infections are without symptoms ( asymptomatic ) until complications appear. Chlamydia (male) : In men, chlamydia produces symptoms similar to gonorrhea, and can also cause epididymitis and orchitis . Chlamydia (female) : Infection with chlamydia frequently leads to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can cause scarring of the Fallopian tubes and sterility. An estimated 20% of women who develop PID will become infertile . 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 has a greater than 1 in 3 chance of developing chlamydial conjunctivitis (eye infection) and a 15% chance of developing chlamydial pneumonia (30,000 cases are reported in the U.S. each year). A majority of chlamydial infections do not cause symptoms; but when symptoms are present, they are similar to those of gonorrhea. In men, this may include burning with urination, discharge from the end of the penis (urethral discharge), tenderness or pain in the testicles and lower abdomen and fever and chills (when epididymitis develops). Women may also have urinary burning, increased frequency, and a mild urethral discharge. Infection of the female reproductive tract can include the Bartholin ducts, vagina, cervix, endometrium, and fallopian tubes (salpingitis and PID). Chlamydia can also cause rectal infections and is a cause of proctitis in both males and females. There are three strains of chlamydia that are responsible for another sexually-transmitted disease, called lymphogranuloma venereum . This disease is seen more commonly in underdeveloped countries but has world-wide distribution. In the United States it is seen more commonly in homosexual men and is a cause of proctitis and colitis (inflammation of the lower intestine). Chlamydia infection is often found in conjunction with gonorrhea. People who are diagnosed with gonorrhea should also be evaluated for chlamydia infection. Prevention: Aside from total abstinence, a monogamous sexual relationship with a known healthy partner is the best way of avoiding this and all other sexually-transmitted diseases. Condoms remain the best and most reliable protection against this and other sexually-transmitted diseases for sexually-active people. Condoms should be used consistently and correctly when any sexual behavior falls outside abstinence or monogamy with a healthy partner. About 70% of individuals infected with chlamydia do not know they have an infection. Teenagers should be especially careful when they become sexually active. The high incidence of chlamydia infection (and gonorrhea ) in teenagers may reflect several factors including:
FEMALE
NEWBORN INFANT
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
All sexual contacts should be screened for chlamydia. Sexual partners must be treated to prevent passing the infection back and forth between them, even though both may not have symptoms. There is no immunity following the infection and a person may become repeatedly infected.
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