Chlamydia + Contact Tracing/Treatment

Question 1

How do most patients experience Chlamydia symptoms?

Answer 1

Symptoms may be absent or mild and can resolve spontaneously

Question 2

Why are Chlamydia patients still treated if is asymptomatic?

Answer 2

Patient will remain infectious for several months

Risk of developing epididymo-orchitis or Reiter’s syndrome (urethritis, seronegative arthritis, and conjunctivitis)

Question 3

Why are partners of a Chlamydia patient traced and treated?

Answer 3

80% female are symptomatic
Lab tests are not 100% sensitive
While infection may spontaneously resolve, others may progress to inflammatory pelvic disease and tubal damage with a risk of infertility or ectopic pregnancy

Question 4

Treatment of Chlamydia patient + partners?

Answer 4

Antibiotics straight away (for both patient and partners, before tests show positivity)
- azithromycin or doxycycline

Question 5

Should testing be offered to partners and why?

Answer 5

Testing should be offered, despite the need for antibiotics and regardless of the outcome
- a positive test can also guide further contact tracing