Chlamydia trachomatis infection

What it is

Chlamydia trachomatis is the causative organism of chlamydial genital infection. The incubation period is 7-21 days.

How it presents

Most infections give no symptoms at all: the infection is asymptomatic in around 70% of women and 50% of men. When symptoms do appear they differ by sex.

• Women: cervicitis with discharge and bleeding, and dysuria.
• Men: urethral discharge and dysuria.

How it is diagnosed

Diagnosis rests on NAATs. A vulvovaginal swab is taken first line in women, and a urine test is used in men. A Pap smear taken for another reason may also point to the infection, since it can show infective endocervical cells, and red inclusion bodies are typical.