New treatments for Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection

To provide information for the formulation of treatment guidelines, we review recently published articles and abstracts on advances in the treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection. We ask specific questions about new treatments that are answered on the basis of the results of clinical trials and efficacy studies. New, potentially effective treatments for C. trachomatis genital infection include azithromycin and ofloxacin. Clinical studies indicate that the efficacy of these agents is equivalent to that of the current recommended agent doxycycline. Both azithromycin and ofloxacin are substantially more expensive than doxycycline. Azithromycin has the advantage of being given as a single dose, while doxycycline and ofloxacin are administered for 1 week. Issues of compliance, cost, and toxicity for specific patients should be considered when deciding whether to treat C. trachomatis genital infections with these agents.