Chlamydia trachomatis Infection

Synonyms

Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU); Non-specific urethritis (NSU); Urethritis Waelsch; Waelsch's disease

Definition

Chlamydia are obligatory intracellular bacteria. The most important species is Chlamydia trachomatis with 15 serotypes, which are responsible for various diseases. The serotypes A-C cause endemic trachoma, which is primarily found in tropical regions and often leads to blindness. The serotypes D-L cause genital infections and conjunctivitis as well as neonatal infections. Lymphogranuloma venereum is due to an infection with the serotypes L1-L3.