Pathogenesis (development of disease)
Infections with Chlamydia trachomatis serotypes D-K are usually transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse.
The bacteria attach to and subsequently invade cells of the genitourinary tract (urinary and sexual tract) and/or respiratory tract (respiratory tract). There they multiply and form inclusion bodies. Later, the inclusion body ruptures (breaks open) and the bacteria it contains can infect other cells.
Women experience increased vaginal fluoride (vaginal discharge), pruritus (itching), and dysuria (burning during urination). The infection is initially confined to the cervix uteri or urethra. However, there is the possibility of an ascending infection into the uterine cavity – here an endometritis (inflammation of the uterus) develops and further ascending into the adnexa (summary term for the appendages of the uterus: fallopian tubes and ovaries) an adnexitis. Beyond the tubes (fallopian tubes), the entire pelvis may be involved in the inflammation, that is, pelveoperitonitis (peritonitis in the pelvis) occurs.In men, urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) occurs.
Etiology (causes)
Biographic causes
- Hormonal factors
Behavioral causes
- Sexual transmission
- Promiscuity (sexual contact with relatively frequently changing different partners).
- Prostitution
- Men who have sex with men (MSM).
- Sexual contacts in the vacation country
- Unprotected coitus; insb for young girls coitus with older partners.
- Sexual practices with high risk of mucosal injury (e.g., unprotected anal intercourse/anal sex).
- Swimming pools where the water is insufficiently chlorinated.
- Insufficient hygienic conditions
Causes related to disease
- Existing infections with other pathogens
Medication
- Hormonal contraceptives
