$Unique_ID{BRK03592} $Pretitle{} $Title{Chlamydia} $Subject{Chlamydia Chlamydia Trachomatis Gonorrhea Syphilis Trachoma Pelvic Inflammatory Disease PID} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1987, 1989 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. 390: Chlamydia ** IMPORTANT ** It is possible the main title of the article (Chlamydia) is not the name you expected. Please check the SYNONYMS listing on the next page to find alternate names, disorder subdivisions, and related disorders covered by this article. Synonyms Chlamydia Trachomatis Information on the following diseases can be found in the Related Disorders section of this report: Gonorrhea Syphilis Trachoma Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) General Discussion ** REMINDER ** The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources" section of this report. Chlamydia is a sexually-transmitted bacterial infection with symptoms similar to those of Gonorrhea. Until recently it was identified primarily when Trachoma (an eye infection) appeared as a symptom. Initially, the symptoms of Chlamydia are usually mild and may not be recognized. Although rarely fatal, Chlamydia may have serious consequences if left untreated. Sexually active people with multiple sex partners are especially at risk. Since many people with Chlamydia do not realize that they have the infection, they may not seek treatment until serious complications occur. Meanwhile, they may have unknowingly spread the disease to others through sexual activity. Treatment with antibiotics is generally successful, but prevention should be the primary course of action. Symptoms Initially, Chlamydia has no noticeable symptoms. When symptoms eventually appear in males, they usually consist of painful urination and a watery discharge from the penis. In some cases, this infection can cause epididymitis, an inflammation of part of the testicles, anal inflammation (proctitis) in homosexuals, or Reiter's Syndrome, a serious Arthritis-like condition. (For more information on Reiter's syndrome, choose "Reiter" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database). In women, Chlamydia often begins as an infection of the cervix. Itching and burning of the genitals, vaginal discharge, dull pelvic pain and bleeding between menstrual periods may occur. The infection may then spread to the uterus and/or fallopian tubes. This can subsequently cause infertility and presents a danger of ectopic pregnancy (the development of an embryo in the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus). An inflammation throughout the female reproductive system (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) can be a consequence of delayed treatment of this bacterial infection. Women who have chlamydia infections during pregnancy have a high risk of spontaneous abortion or stillbirth. Infants who contract the infection from their mothers at birth can get an eye infection (conjunctivitis) and/or pneumonia. Prompt treatment of the infection in newborns is essential. Causes Chlamydia is a common infection caused by the Chlamydia Trachomatis bacteria. It is transmitted through sexual intercourse. The infection can also be transferred from infected mothers to newborn infants. Affected Population According to public health officials, three million Americans contract Chlamydia each year. It is estimated that of the 155,000 infants born to women with Chlamydia each year, 75,000 develop an eye infection (Conjunctivitis) and 30,000 get pneumonia. It is further estimated that 60 to 80 percent of women and 10 percent of men with Chlamydia have no symptoms. As a result, they don't seek treatment and may possibly continue to spread the infection. Chlamydia is one cause of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women. More than 200,000 women are hospitalized in the United States each year with PID and one million are treated for the condition on an outpatient basis. An estimated 11,000 American women become sterile each year and 3,600 have ectopic pregnancies (the embryo develops in the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus) as a consequence of Chlamydia. Related Disorders The following two venereal disorders are similar to Chlamydia. Comparisons may be useful for a differential diagnosis. Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted (venereal) disease. It is an infectious disease of the urethra, cervix and rectum and may involve other areas of the body and may give rise to serious complications. Gonorrhea is caused by spread of the gonococcus organism "Neisseria gonorrhoeae". It is without apparent symptoms at first. This disorder can occur along with Chlamydia in some cases. Penicillin is the treatment of choice for Gonorrhea, but ampicillin, amoxicillin, tetracycline or spectinomycin are other antibiotics that may be effective therapies. Spread of gonorrhea can be limited through tracing and treating anyone who has been in sexual contact with an infected person. Condoms can prevent transfer of the infection between sexual partners. Prompt medical treatment and followups are recommended for persons who suspect they may have Gonorrhea. Syphilis, also known as Lues, is a sexually transmitted contagious disease caused by the spirochete "Treponema pallidum". It is characterized by periods of active skin manifestations and by years of symptomless inactivity (latency). The congenital type of Syphilis can be passed from mother to fetus. Syphilis progresses through various stages with different degrees of severity. Penicillin is the treatment of choice. However, other antibiotics are used especially since recently some forms of Syphilis seem to resist penicillin. Vision and hearing complications should be treated concurrently. Spread of the infection can be limited through tracing and treating anyone who has been in sexual contact with an infected person, and with the use of condoms during sexual intercourse. Prompt medical treatment and followups are recommended for persons who suspect they may have Syphilis. Untreated, the disease may cause neurological damage, dementia, heart disease and eventually death. The following two disorders may be associated with Chlamydia as secondary characteristics. They are not necessary for making a differential diagnosis. Trachoma can be a symptom of non-venereal infection by the Chlamydia bacteria which affects the eyes. It is thought to be transmitted by contaminated fingers rubbing the eyes, infected insects, or anything coming in contact with the eyes which could harbor the Chlamydial bacteria. This disorder is the chief cause of blindness in underdeveloped economic areas of the world. In the United States it has been identified in the mountains of Tennessee and Kentucky, the delta of the Ohio River, South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa. The symptoms include swelling of the eyelids with discharge, and enlargement of the tear-producing (lacrimal) glands and nearby lymph nodes. Prompt medical attention is required to avoid blindness which can result when Trachoma is left untreated. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), also known as Salpingitis, is an infection of the female reproductive organs that can be caused by a variety of bacteria including the Chlamydia type. This term may include infection of the cervix (cervicitis), the lining of the uterus (endometritis), the fallopian tubes or the ovaries (oophoritis). This disorder occurs mostly in sexually active women under age 25 and can be caused by bacterial infection, intrauterine devices (IUD's), infection during childbirth, or abortion with contaminated devices. Symptoms may include severe lower abdominal pain, fever, vomiting and/or discharge from the cervix. Treatment with antibiotics, or in later stages with surgery, is recommended. For more information on sexually transmitted diseases, see articles in the Prevalent Health Conditions/Concerns area of NORD Services and the AIDS Update. Therapies: Standard Use of condoms by men during sexual activities can help limit the spread of Chlamydia. However, medical authorities agree that the key to stopping the disease is better detection. Once it is identified, Chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics. Pregnant women and anyone who is being treated for another sexually transmitted disease should consider being tested for Chlamydia. Sexually active people with multiple sex partners are at greater risk for contracting the infection. Therapies: Investigational Scientists are trying to develop a vaccine to prevent Chlamydia infection. In the meantime, more widespread testing for the infection is recommended to help limit the spread of the disease and enhance early identification and treatment. This disease entry is based upon medical information available through September 1989. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder. Resources For more information on Chlamydia, please contact: National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 8923 New Fairfield, CT 06812-1783 (203) 746-6518 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 1600 Clifton Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30333 (404) 639-3534 For local treatment centers contact any state or local health department listed in your area phone directory. These agencies can refer you to testing facilities for venereal diseases. References CHLAMYDIA IS NOT A FLOWER. IT'S A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE WITH DEVASTATING EFFECTS: Abbott Health Care Worldwide; Abbott Laboratories, Public Affairs, Dept. 383P, Abbott Park, IL 60064. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL GUIDELINES FOR PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS INFECTIONS. SUMMARY AND COMMENTARY: T.A. Bell, et al.; Ann Intern Med (April 1986, issue 104(4)). Pp. 524-526. INDEPENDENT ASSOCIATIONS OF BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS AND CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS INFECTION WITH ADVERSE PREGNANCY OUTCOME: M.G. Gravett, et al.; JAMA (October 10, 1986, issue 256(14)). Pp. 1899-1903. EPIDEMIOLOGY AND THERAPY OF CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS INFECTIONS: W.R. Bowie; DRUGS; (May 1984, issue 27(5). Pp. 459-468.