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 … Chlamydia: Causes
General measures Partner management, i.e., infected partners, if any, must be located and treated (contacts must be traced for 6 months). Observance of general hygiene measures! Genital hygiene Once a day, the genital area should be washed with a pH neutral care product. Washing several times a day with soap, intimate lotion or disinfectant destroys … Chlamydia: Therapy
Symptoms Possible symptoms include high fever, pneumonia, deep pulse, headache, muscle pain, cough, and shortness of breath. Furthermore, skin rashes, indigestion, lower abdominal pain, and diarrhea may occur. After an attack on the respiratory tract, various organs such as the heart, liver, and digestive tract may be secondarily affected. The disease was first described by … Parrot Disease
To prevent chlamydial infection, attention must be paid to reducing risk factors. Behavioral risk factors 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 … Chlamydia: Prevention
About 75% of women and 50% of men have only minor symptoms or no symptoms at all after chlamydia infection. The following symptoms and complaints may occur: Woman Cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix) – often asymptomatic, less commonly yellowish sticky fluor vaginalis (vaginal discharge). Endometritis (uterine inflammation) – mild metrorrhagia (interstitial bleeding), possibly also discrete … Chlamydia: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of chlamydial infection. Family history Social history Current anamnesis/systemic anamnesis (somatic and psychological complaints). Do you have pain with urination? Have you noticed any other symptoms such as discharge from the urethra/vagina or itching? Do you have a fever, do you feel sick? … Chlamydia: Medical History
Genitourinary system (kidneys, urinary tract-genital organs) (N00-N99). Gonococcal urethritis – inflammation of the urethra caused by gonococci. Mycoplasma urethritis – urethritis caused by mycoplasma, type of bacteria without cell wall. Trichomonad urethritis – urethritis caused by trichomonads, which are protozoa (single-celled organisms). Urethritides caused by various other bacteria or by viruses such as herpes simplex … Chlamydia: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by chlamydial infections: Respiratory system (J00-J99) Pharyngitis ((pharyngitis) (rare). Pneumonia (pneumonia), especially in newborns. Eyes and eye appendages (H00-H59). Amaurosis (blindness) Opacification of the cornea Scarring of the cornea Cardiovascular system (I00-I99) Elephantiasis – swelling of the infected area such as … Chlamydia: Secondary Diseases
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes, sclerae (white part of the eye), abdominal wall and inguinal region (groin area). Examination of the lungs (due topossible sequelae): Auscultation of the lungs Bronchophony (checking … Chlamydia: Examination
1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests. Microscopic detection of the bacteria by immunofluorescence test (IFT). Chlamydia trachomatis IgM, IgG, and IgA antibodies (only in chronic invasive infections). Chlamydia PCR (molecular genetic method), this allows the reliable direct detection of the pathogen DNA from the secretion of the cervix or urine [material of first … Chlamydia: Test and Diagnosis
Therapy goals Elimination of the pathogens Avoidance of complications Partner management, i.e. infected partners, if any, must be located and treated (contacts must be traced for 6 months). Therapy recommendations Doxycycline (tetracycline) is considered the first-line agent for all subgroups of Chlamydia Antibiotic therapy with doxycycline and erythromycin may cause recurrence (reoccurrence of infection) even … Chlamydia: Drug Therapy
Chlamydial infection is diagnosed on the basis of history, physical examination findings, and laboratory diagnostics. Rarely, the following diagnostic methods are performed: Abdominal ultrasonography (ultrasonography of abdominal organs) [for chronic and atypical courses/ascending infections].
