Polish Dermatological Society Expert Group commentary on the management of Chlamydia trachomatis infections

Chlamydia (C.) trachomatis infections are the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted bacterial infection across Europe and worldwide. In 2014, a total of 396,128 cases of C. trachomatis infection were reported to the ECDC from 26 EU/EEA Member States, which represents a slight increase over the previous year. The mean incidence was 187 cases per 100,000 population. In six countries (Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and the United Kingdom) the incidence exceeded 200 cases per 100,000. Adolescents and young adults aged 15–24 years accounted for 63% of all cases. The male-to-female infection ratio was 0.7 [1].
In Poland urogenital chlamydial infections have been reported separately since 2015 (www.pzh.gov), even though a new form for reporting sexually transmitted diseases went into effect in July 2013 [2]. Previously, cases of non-specific urethritis were reported, however there are grounds to assume that the majority of them were chlamydial infections. Data reported to the ECDC show that the incidence of chlamydial infections in Poland between 2010 and 2014 ranged from 0.7 (2014) to 1.4 (2010) per 100,000 population [1]. The number most certainly does not reflect the actual epidemiological situation, and results mainly from failure to perform laboratory tests and insufficient reportability.
Chlamydial infections, particularly in women, are frequently asymptomatic or produce only minimal symptoms. However, if they are left undiagnosed and untreated, they may lead to complications and permanent sequelae such as pelvic inflammatory disease, tubal factor infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Chlamydial infections may also cause reactive arthritis in patients of both sexes. During the last IUSTI (International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections) Europe Congress (15–17 September 2016, Budapest) special attention was paid to the problem of frequent detection of rectal C. trachomatis infections in women (also in patients without a history of anal intercourse).
“2015 European guideline on the management of Chlamydia trachomatis infections” [3] was developed by European experts based on available medical evidence and approved by major European organizations and scientific societies representing dermatologists and venereologists, including the European Branch of the International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections (IUSTI Europe); European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV); European Dermatology Forum...


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