The role of Chlamydia trachomatis in epididymitis

Microbiological studies have identified an infective micro-organism in 28 of 54 patients (52%) with epididymitis. Chlamydia trachomatis was the commonest infection isolated, occurring in 15 patients. An additional 17 patients (31%) who were culture negative had serological evidence which suggested recent chlamydial infection. Most patients with chlamydia were under 26 years of age, in contrast to patients over 35 years, in whom coliform infections predominated. Of the 12 consorts of patients with chlamydial epididymitis who were screened, nine were also positive for this micro-organism. These findings have important implications in the management of epididymitis, especially in young men.