Worldwide Incidence of Chlamydia

Chlamydia trachomatis is found in all countries and has a worldwide distribution.
Chlamydia is one of the most widespread Sexually Transmitted Disease in the United States. An estimated 3 million people are infected each year, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In UK there has been a steady rise (almost a 76%) i between 1995-1999.

In India a high prevalence (upto40%) of lower genital tract infections due to Chlamydia has been reported according to the Institute Of Pathology, New Delhi.

In men the infection can cause strictures of urethra-

The infection in men is asymptomatic up to 50% and is usually detected by tracing a female contact.
Chlamydia often causes urethritis with a burning sensation while passing urine and discharge.
The bacteria may move up in the body causing inflammation of a portion of the testis called epidydimis resulting in its inflammation.
In Homosexuals rectal infection that may lead to its infection.

Conjunctivitis - Chlamydia can cause infection in the lining of the eye (conjunctivitis or "pink eye").

Pharyngitis- The bacteria also can infect the throat from oral sexual contact with an infected partner.

Reiter's Disease- When a patient is infected by Chlamydia and has symptoms of Urethritis, Arthritis & Conjunctivitis, then these three conditions together are called medically as "Reiter's Disease".

The bacteria live in vaginal fluid and in semen.
Symptoms usually appear within 1 to 3 weeks after being infected.
The symptoms vary from an abnormal discharge (mucus or pus) from the vagina or penis or experience of pain while urinating.
These early symptoms may be very mild.
In woman it can cause infertility
The most common site of infection in women is the cervix (the mouth of the uterus).
The infection in women mostly goes unnoticed, with upto 80% of infection being asymptomatic, the symptoms when present include,
Vaginal Discharge
Post-coital Bleed

Intermenstrual bleeding
Lower abdominal pain
The infection may spread to involve the fallopian tubes ovaries and other adjoining structures if it is not treated, it may then cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

References:

Kumar & Clark - Clinical Medicine - (W.B.Saunders- 5th Edition)
Oxford Handbook Of Clinical Medicine - (5th Edition)
Online Publication Of NIAID is a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Published on Aug 18, 2014
Last Updated on Aug 18, 2014

meluna Friday, July 30, 2010

is this disease transmitted only sexually AND ORALLY.wHAT IF THE PERSON HAD NOT MADE PHYSICAL OR ORAL RELATIONSHIP WITH ANYONE. THEN HOW COME THE PERSON HAS THIS DISEASE.

Jennifer Friday, May 29, 2009

As one of the most common diseases out there in women I'm surprised it doesn't become something that we would be advised to test for yearly. I always do when I'm active (not all around town) but you know And I think others should do the same. If you look at how many people get the disease and the fact that there are often no symptoms you should be more afraid.