[Diagnosis and treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis infections]

Nucleic acid amplification tests are now considered the method of choice to detect Chlamydia trachomatis. These assays have highest sensitivity and also high specificity, comparable to culture. First-void urine is the preferred specimen for urogenital infections of males, whereas vaginal and cervical swabs are at least as effective for testing female lower genital tract infections. Chlamydia point-of-care tests may produce results rapidly without special equipment but lack diagnostic accuracy and thus are unsuitable for routine use. Serology is not useful for detection of acute infections, but may help to identify persistent infections with Chlamydia no longer detectable in swabs or urine specimens. Various guidelines recommend doxycycline and azithromycin for treatment of uncomplicated Chlamydia infection. Alternatively erythromycin, ofloxacin and levofloxacin can be used. Persistent infections usually require treatment for longer periods or by using combinations of different antibiotics.