[Recurrent canaliculitis and dacryocystitis as a sequela of persistent infection with Chlamydia trachomatis]

We report on 4 patients aged 39-62 years with follicular conjunctivitis, canaliculitis, canalicular obstruction, dacryocystitis and nasolacrimal duct obstruction caused by chronic oculogenital infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. Microbiological diagnosis was accomplished by means of the McCoy cell culture technique as a highly specific tool for detection of the chlamydial infection. In addition, serological tests (IgA-IPA and IgG-IPA techniques) were performed. Bacteriological examination of conjunctival smears showed coinfection in 3 patients (Proteus mirabilis in 1, Staphylococcus aureus coagulase-positive in 3). Despite successful operation techniques, the obstructive inflammation caused by oculogenital chlamydial infection could only be cured by systemic treatment with specific antibiotics, such as doxycycline or erythromycin. All cases of chronic follicular conjunctivitis with lacrimal inflammation that are resistant to topical antibiotics should suggest the possibility of infection with Chlamydia trachomatis.