Pathogenesis (development of disease)
Infections with Chlamydia trachomatis (intracellular bacterium that feeds on the ATP of the cell as an energy parasite) are usually transmitted via unprotected coitus.
The bacteria attach themselves to the cells of the urogenital tract (urinary and genital tract) and/or respiratory tract (respiratory tract) and subsequently invade them. There they multiply and form inclusion bodies. Later, the inclusion body ruptures (breaks open) and the bacteria it contains can infect other cells.
At the entry site in the skin, the so-called primary lesion develops (local reaction at the beginning of an infectious disease). Later, the bacteria also infect the local lymph node stations and cause pain.
Etiology (causes)
Biographic causes
- Occupations – occupational groups such as sailors, soldiers, and commercial travelers.
- Socioeconomic factors – low social status.
- Geographic factors – Asia, Africa or South America.
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
- Sexual practices with high risk of mucosal injury (e.g., unprotected anal intercourse/anal sex).
Disease-related causes
- Other sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis.
Other causes
- Occupational groups such as sailors, soldiers and commercial travelers.
