Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infectious disease caused by the bacterium . In the United States, chlamydia is the most commonly reported bacterial infection. Globally, is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), and reported rates of infection have been climbing in the last few decades. causes the ocular infection trachoma, which is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. In females, the cervix is the most commonly infected anatomic site. This can manifest as cervicitis, urethritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, perihepatitis, or proctitis. Chlamydial infections in women, especially if untreated, increase the risk of infertility and ectopic pregnancy, leading to high medical costs. Associated risks of chlamydia infection during pregnancy are also present. Additionally, infants born vaginally to mothers infected with genital may develop conjunctivitis or pneumonia. In men, infection with can lead to urethritis, epididymitis, prostatitis, proctitis, or reactive arthritis. Both men and women infected with may also experience conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, and lymphogranuloma venereum (see . Follicular Conjunctivitis). Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), caused by distinct serovars of , is a less common disease characterized by enlarged lymph nodes or severe proctocolitis.