Female urogenital chlamydia: Epidemiology, chlamydia on pregnancy, current diagnosis, and treatment

Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2022 Mar 2:75:103448. doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.103448. eCollection 2022 Mar.

Abstract

Female urogenital chlamydia is a disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis infection in the female urogenital tract. It is a common bacterial sexually transmitted disease. The bacteria is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected partner or from mother to newborn during vaginal delivery. The prevalence varies among studies and the number is possibly higher due to the lack of massive screening. Many patients were asymptomatic and still be able to transmit the disease. The undiagnosed and untreated disease could cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which leads to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. The prevalence among pregnant women is similar to non-pregnant women, therefore chlamydia screening in pregnant women is highly recommended. The nucleic acid amplification test is the most reliable method for the diagnosis due to high sensitivity. The current treatment is given by prescribing antibiotics.

Keywords: Chlamydia trachomatis; Urogenital chlamydia.

Publication types

  • Review