Towards control of chlamydial infections

Chlamydia trachomatis causes more sexually transmissible diseases in the United States than any other organism. Complications of chlamydial urethritis and cervicitis include epididymitis, salpingitis and neonatal pneumonia. Chlamydial infections can be easily treated but, until recently, they have been difficult to diagnose. Presumptive antichlamydial therapy for symptomatic/high-risk individuals was the first step taken towards control. With new methods of diagnosis becoming available, detection in asymptomatic women is the next critical step. Key populations for screening include clinics for family planning, abortion, student health, adolescent care and prenatal care. This article outlines the biology, diseases, diagnosis and treatment of C. trachomatis.