CHLAMYDIA
| Causative organism | Chlamydia trachomatis |
| Incubation period | 2-60 days |
| How far to trace back | 6 months |
| Usual testing method | Nucleic acid amplification |
| Common symptoms |
Often asymptomatic in both men (40-76%) and women (75-85%) Mucopurulent vaginal/urethrai discharge Dysuria PID- Pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding patterns (IMB/PCB), dyspaurenia, fever, nausea, vomiting (see PID) epididymo-orchitis-scrotal pain, swelling, erythema (See Epididymitis) Ano-Rectal - Anal discharge/pain, eye- conjunctivitis, throat- pharyngiitis |
| Likelihood of transmission per act of unprotected intercourse | 30-50% |
| Likelihood of long-term sexual partner being infected | About two-thirds of male partners of infected women and female partners of infected men will be infected |
| Protective effect of condoms | High |
| Transmission by oral sex | Low |
| Duration of potential infectivity | Women can be infected for years. Men can be infected for months. Limited data on duration of infectiousness overtime |
| Important sequelae |
PID Epididymo-orchitis Infertility/Sterility Ectopic pregnancy Neonatal pneumonitis and conjunctivitis. Preterm labour and low birth weight. Enhanced HIV transmission |
| Direct benefit of detection and treatment of contacts | Cure/prevent transmission |
| Usual management of contacts |
Counselling, clinical examination and testing for chlamydia (Presumptively treat partners) If partners have (epididymo-orchitis) or PID (see sections) |
| Contact tracing priority | High |
| Notification | Genital C. trachomatis infection is notifiable in all Australian states and territories by doctors or laboratories. Genital C. trachomatis infection is not notifiable in New Zealand currently but voluntary laboratory notification occurs from most regions |