Chlamydial Infections (Chlamydia Trachomatis)

Identification: Genital infections, primarily urethritis in males and mucopurulent cervicitis in females. Similar to gonorrhea with opaque discharge, urethral itching, and burning on urination. Females may be asymptomatic. The infection may be concurrent with gonorrhea. Chlamydia also causes epididymitis in males, salpingitis (pelvic inflammatory disease) in females, and proctitis in either sex.

Diagnosis: Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) or cervicitis based on failure to demonstrate Neisseria gonorrhea by smear and culture. Chlamydia etiology confirmed by cell culture, DNA probe, antigen detection, or fluorescent antibody staining.

Transmission: Sexual contact.

Incubation Period: 5 to 10 days or longer. The period of communicability is unknown; reinfection is probably common.

Preventive Measures: Provide personal hygiene and health education regarding transmission of disease.Advise/encourage students to use condoms during sexual activity. Practice care in disposal of articles contaminated with urethral and cervical discharge.

Control Measures:

Reporting: Report to S/LHD, if required.

Isolation: Practice drainage-secretion precautions for student in the infirmary.

Immunization of Contacts: None.

Investigation of Contacts: Provide treatment for sexual contact(s) on center; for off center sexual contact(s), counsel student to have contact(s) seek treatment from STD clinic or physician.

Specific Treatment^13: The infected student should be treated on center with azithromycin (1 gram) by mouth once or doxycycline (100 mg) by mouth, 2 times per day for 7 days.

Admission/Readmission: Not applicable.

¹³ Note: Because gonococcal and chlamydia cervicitis are often difficult to distinguish clinically, treatment for both organisms is recommended when either is suspected.