Chlamydia trachomatis—An Emerging Old Entity?

Abstract

Chlamydia trachomatis is an evasive pathogen that can prompt severe clinical manifestations in humans such as vaginitis, epididymitis, lymphogranuloma venereum, trachoma, conjunctivitis and pneumonia. If left untreated, chronic infections with C. trachomatis can give rise to long-lasting and even permanent sequelae. To shed some light on its widespread nature, data from original research, systematic reviews and meta-analyses from three databases was collected and analyzed in the context of chlamydial infection, related symptoms and appropriate treatment modalities. This review describes the bacterium’s pervasiveness on a global scale, especially in developing countries, and suggests ways to halt its transmission and spread. Infections with C. trachomatis often go unnoticed, as many individuals are asymptomatic and unaware of their diagnosis, contributing to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. The high prevalence of chlamydial infection highlights the need for a universal screening and detection method enabling immediate treatment at its onset. Prognosis is favorable with antibiotic therapy and education for high-risk groups and their sexual partners. In the future, a quick, easily accessible, and inexpensive test should be developed to diagnose and treat infected individuals early on. Along with a vaccine against C. trachomatis, it would halt the transmission and spread of the pathogen worldwide.