Assessment of Chlamydia trachomatis infection

Chlamydia trachomatis can cause the following syndromes:

Untreated chlamydial infection can cause infertility and ectopic pregnancyOng, 2023Workowski, 2021.

Asymptomatic chlamydial infection occurs frequently in adults and is detected by nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) (eg polymerase chain reaction [PCR]). Self-collected1 vaginal and rectal swab samples are preferred for asymptomatic testing. Another option is to collect a first-pass2 urine sample. A throat swab is indicated for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, and transgender womenOng, 2023.

Note: Self-collected vaginal and rectal swab samples are preferred over urine samples for asymptomatic testing for Chlamydia trachomatis.

Perform investigations for other sexually transmissible infections (STIs) (including HIV, syphilis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae).

Undertake contact tracing for patients with C. trachomatis infection. Test sexual contacts from the last 6 months and consider presumptive treatment for sexual contacts within the past 2 weeks or when the clinician is concerned that the person’s circumstances mean later treatment may not occurOng, 2023.

For general principles of STI management, including investigations and counselling, and considerations for children in whom an STI is identified, see Principles of STI management.

1 For information on methods of self-collection of vaginal and rectal swab samples, see the diagnosis section of the relevant condition in the Australian STI Management Guidelines for Use in Primary Care.Return
2 A first-pass urine specimen is the first part of the urine stream, and can be collected at any time of the day; see the diagnosis section of the relevant condition in the Australian STI Management Guidelines for Use in Primary Care for more information.Return