Diseases Treatment

What are these Conditions?

Chlamydial infections - including urethritis in men and urethritis and cervicitis in women - comprise a group of infections linked to one bacteria: Chlamydia trachomatis. These infections are the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the North America, affecting more than 4 million people each year.Untreated chlamydial infections can lead to such complications as acute inflammation of the epididymis (in men) and of the fallopian tubes (in women), pelvic inflammatory disease and, eventually, sterility.

What Causes them?

Transmission of C. trachomatis bacteria primarily follows vaginal or rectal intercourse or oral-genital contact with an infected person. Because symptoms commonly appear late in the course of the disease, transmission usually occurs unknowingly.

Children born of mothers who have chlamydial infections may contract associated conjunctivitis, ear infections, and pneumonia during passage through the birth canal.

What are their Symptoms?

Both men and women with chlamydial infections may have no symptoms or may show signs of infection during the physical exam. Individual signs and symptoms vary with the specific type of chlamydial infection.

How are they Diagnosed?

Lab tests provide a definite diagnosis of chlamydial infection. A swab culture from the site of infection (urethra, cervix, or rectum) establishes a diagnosis of urethritis, cervicitis, salpingitis, endometritis, or proctitis.

How are they Treated?

The recommended first-line treatment for adults and adolescents with a chlamydial infection is Vibramycin by mouth for 7 days or a single dose of Zithromax by mouth.

For pregnant women with a chlamydial infection, E-Mycin is the treatment of choice.