Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferences

Information for Patients

View all Images (6)

Chlamydial infections - Anogenital in
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Chlamydial infections - Anogenital in

Contributors: David Foster MD, Mary Gail Mercurio MD, Lynne Margesson MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the small gram-negative obligate intracellular organism Chlamydia trachomatis. There are 18 serologically variant strains. Serovars D through K cause genital tract infections and will be discussed herein; serovars L1-L3 are the cause of lymphogranuloma venereum. Chlamydiae may infect the genital tract if acquired through unprotected vaginal sex, or the mouth or anus if acquired from oral or anal sex. Chlamydia can also be spread from an infected mother to their baby at birth.

Most of the time, chlamydia is a "silent" infection and has few symptoms. In women, infection may manifest as urethritis, vaginitis, or cervicitis, leading to dysuria, vaginal bleeding, cervical discharge, or abdominal pain.

Chlamydial infection is the most frequently reported bacterial infectious disease in the United States, and prevalence is highest among persons younger than 25 years with new or multiple sexual partners, particularly if protection with condoms is inconsistent. Re-infection happens easily if a sex partner is not treated. Chlamydial infection is a risk factor for other STIs and can increase the risk of acquiring HIV by increasing inflammation of the genital mucosa. There is also an association with the development of reactive arthritis (Reiter syndrome).

Chlamydial infections are common in both sexes, but serious complications are more commonly seen in women. Such complications may include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and/or tubo-ovarian abscess, Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome (retrograde spread leads to frank peritonitis and perihepatitis), and septic abortion. The sequelae of PID include infertility and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. Pelvic or lower abdominal pain is a marker for such an ascending infection.

Codes

ICD10CM:
A56.2 – Chlamydial infection of genitourinary tract, unspecified

SNOMEDCT:
105629000 – Chlamydial infection

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

Subscription Required

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Updated:07/02/2024
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Patient Information for Chlamydial infections - Anogenital in
Print E-Mail Images (6)
Contributors: Medical staff writer
Premium Feature
VisualDx Patient Handouts
Available in the Elite package
  • Improve treatment compliance
  • Reduce after-hours questions
  • Increase patient engagement and satisfaction
  • Written in clear, easy-to-understand language. No confusing jargon.
  • Available in English and Spanish
  • Print out or email directly to your patient
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Chlamydial infections - Anogenital in
A medical illustration showing key findings of Chlamydial infections (Female) : Urethral pus, Vaginal discharge, Dysuria, Sexually active
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.