Chlamydia trachomatis Infection and Reproductive Health Outcomes in Women

Chlamydia trachomatis infection is a major and increasing public health problem worldwide and is currently the main cause of sexually-transmitted infections (STI). The incidence of this infection is highest in young women and is especially important in this population group due to the potential consequences in the female reproductive tract, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, tubal damage, and infertility. During pregnancy, C. trachomatis infection has been associated with adverse outcomes, including spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, premature rupture of membranes, preterm birth. Moreover, the infection can be transmitted perinatally to women’s offspring causing neonatal conjunctivitis, nasopharyngitis and pneumonia.