chlamydia

Question 1

what is chlamydia?

Answer 1

Genital chlamydia infection is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Uncomplicated chlamydia infection generally refers to cervicitis or urethritis, though infections of the rectum, conjunctiva and oropharynx can occur.

Question 2

what causes chlamydia?

Answer 2

Chlamydia trachomatis, an obligate intracellular bacterium.

Question 3

RF for chlamydia?

Answer 3

Being under 25 years
A new sexual partner, or more than one sexual partner in the last year
Lack of barrier contraception use

Question 4

features of chlamydia?

Answer 4

women may be asymptomatic
Common symptoms in women include dysuria, intermenstrual bleeding, and vaginal discharge.

Men frequently experience urethral discharge and dysuria.
Anal infections may manifest as discharge or anorectal discomfort.
Neonates can develop pneumonia or conjunctivitis due to exposure to the bacterium during delivery from an infected mother’s genital tract.

Question 5

DD of chlamydia?

Answer 5

gonorrhoea
trichmoniasis
genital herpes

Question 6

how do you differentiates the DD from chlamydia?

Answer 6

Gonorrhoea: Often asymptomatic but may cause urethral discharge, dysuria, intermenstrual or postcoital bleeding, and lower abdominal pain.
Trichomoniasis: May cause pruritus, dysuria, and discharge in both men and women.
Genital herpes: Characterised by painful vesicular lesions, dysuria, and flu-like symptoms.

Question 7

what ix for chlamydia?
men + women

Answer 7

For women: a vulvovaginal swab (either self-taken or clinician-taken) or an endocervical swab analysed using NAATs.

For men: urine or urethral swab, analysed using the same method.

For suspected anal infections: an anal swab, also analysed using NAAT.

Question 8

how do you mx chlamydia?

Answer 8

Treatment involves a course of oral doxycycline, administered twice daily for 7 days. This should also be given to their partner. In pregnancy, liaise with appropriate healthcare professionals to determine appropriate treatment. This may be azithromycin, erythromycin or amoxicillin.

Question 9

complications of chlamydia?

Answer 9

PID
epididymitis
reactive arthritis
conjunctivitis + pneumonia in neonates
increased risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV