Genital tract chlamydia infection
- Overview
- Theory
- Diagnosis
- Management
- Follow up
- Resources
Treatment algorithm
Please note that formulations/routes and doses may differ between drug names and brands, drug formularies, or locations. Treatment recommendations are specific to patient groups: see disclaimer
confirmed or suspected
antichlamydial antibiotics
Treatment is generally started after test results are known. However, if clinical suspicion is high, treatment should commence empirically before the test results are known.
Recommended first-line antibiotics provide an excellent cure rate.[39]Lau CY, Qureshi AK. Azithromycin versus doxycycline for genital chlamydial infections: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Sex Transm Dis. 2002 Sep;29(9):497-502. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12218839?tool=bestpractice.com [40]Páez-Canro C, Alzate JP, González LM, et al. Antibiotics for treating urogenital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in men and non-pregnant women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 Jan 25;1:CD010871. https://www.doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD010871.pub2 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30682211?tool=bestpractice.com Treatment benefits include a decrease in the incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and reduction in the risk for infertility in women. There is a reduction in the incidence of epididymitis or prostatitis in men.
Systemic fluoroquinolone antibiotics may cause serious, disabling, and potentially long-lasting or irreversible adverse events. This includes, but is not limited to, tendinopathy/tendon rupture; peripheral neuropathy; arthropathy/arthralgia; aortic aneurysm and dissection; heart valve regurgitation; dysglycemia; and central nervous system effects including seizures, depression, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts and behavior.[35]Rusu A, Munteanu AC, Arbănași EM, et al. Overview of side-effects of antibacterial fluoroquinolones: new drugs versus old drugs, a step forward in the safety profile? Pharmaceutics. 2023 Mar 1;15(3):804. https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/15/3/804 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36986665?tool=bestpractice.com Prescribing restrictions apply to the use of fluoroquinolones, and these restrictions may vary between countries. In general, fluoroquinolones should be restricted for use in serious, life-threatening bacterial infections only. Some regulatory agencies may also recommend that they must only be used in situations where other antibiotics, that are commonly recommended for the infection, are inappropriate (e.g., resistance, contraindications, treatment failure, unavailability). Consult your local guidelines and drug formulary for more information on suitability, contraindications, and precautions.
All sexual contacts within the previous 60 days should be advised to seek investigation and treatment for chlamydia.
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In people with sexually transmitted infections, what are the best strategies for partner notification/cca.html?targetUrl=https://cochranelibrary.com/cca/doi/10.1002/cca.676/fullShow me the answer The management of the patient’s sex partners is an important consideration to prevent reinfection and further transmission.[37]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Expedited partner therapy in the management of sexually transmitted diseases. 2006 [internet publication].
http://www.cdc.gov/std/Treatment/EPTFinalReport2006.pdf
Primary options
doxycycline: 100 mg orally twice daily for 7 days
Secondary options
azithromycin: 1 g orally as a single dose
OR
levofloxacin: 500 mg orally once daily for 7 days
alternative antichlamydial antibiotics
Treatment is generally started after test results are known. However, if clinical suspicion is high, treatment should commence empirically before test results are known.
All sexual contacts within the previous 60 days, or the most recent sex partner if >60 days since last sexual contact, should be advised to seek investigation and treatment for chlamydia.[5]Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PA, et al. Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021 Jul 23;70(4):1-187. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8344968 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34292926?tool=bestpractice.com The management of the patient’s sex partners is an important consideration to prevent reinfection and further transmission.[37]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Expedited partner therapy in the management of sexually transmitted diseases. 2006 [internet publication]. http://www.cdc.gov/std/Treatment/EPTFinalReport2006.pdf
Primary options
azithromycin: 1 g orally as a single dose
Secondary options
amoxicillin: 500 mg orally three times daily for 7 days
Choose a patient group to see our recommendations
Please note that formulations/routes and doses may differ between drug names and brands, drug formularies, or locations. Treatment recommendations are specific to patient groups. See disclaimer
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