2/2007Chlamydia trachomatis infections – are they always accompanied by symptoms?

KATARZYNA LUBOS-BASINSKA (Katedra i Zakład Medycyny Rodzinnej Akademii Medycznej we Wrocławiu; Kierownik: prof. dr hab. med. Andrzej Steciwko)

Background
Essential problem in case of Chlamydia trachomatis infections is the fact that most of them proceed without symptoms.

Material and methods
350 patients with incriminating interview concerning diseases of urogenital tract took part in the research. A swab from urethra was the material for examinations to detect the presence of C. trachomatis antigen. Marks were made with the use of direct immunofluorescence test. Patients also filled in the questionnaire concerning the history of diseases and appearing symptoms.

Results
C. trachomatis infection occurred for 25.1% of examined patients. It was statistically significantly more frequently among patients with incriminating interview concerning illnesses of urinary tract (nephrolithiasis, uro-logical operations and bladder catheter) and in women with incriminating interview concerning gynaecological- fertility problems (problems to become pregnant, miscarriages, inflammations of cervix and vagina and yields).

Key words: infections, Chlamydia trachomatis, symptoms