Genitourinary chlamydial infection: a reappraisal and hypothesis

Our understanding of genitourinary chlamydial infection and disease remains limited. That natural defences and/or apparently adequate treatments leave some patients with latent disease is suspected. There is, however, no consensus as to its nature. Furthermore, many patients, most obviously males, presenting with similar or identical symptoms and signs remain unexplained in microbiological terms; this in spite of many years of dedicated research endeavour. The recent trend towards an impasse has coincided with a growing acquaintance with the immunobiology and immunopathology of chlamydial infections. The time would seem to have arrived for a reappraisal of available clinical and laboratory observations. A hypothesis with research suggestions is presented for discussion.