Chlamydia in men

Chlamydia in men leads to the development of inflammatory changes in the organs of the genitourinary system, sometimes affecting the conjunctiva of the eye and joints. May be asymptomatic.

What is chlamydia

Chlamydia in men is a common infectious disease, mainly sexually transmitted.

Chlamydia was discovered by the Czech naturalist Stanislav Provacek and his German colleague Ludwig Halberstedter in 1907. Studying scrapings from the conjunctiva of a patient with trachoma, they discovered an independent type of microorganisms that exhibit the properties of viruses and bacteria. They were called “chlamydozoa”, translated from Greek – “a cloak wrapped around the shoulder.” The nucleus of a cell that had been infected looked, under the microscope, as if enveloped in clusters of microbes. Then they were called so – Halberstedter-Prowachek bodies.

“These microorganisms turned out to be so peculiar that in the classification of bacteria they were assigned to a separate family,” says Dermatovenereologist, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology, S.M. IN AND. Razumovsky Andrey Bakulev. – Chlamydia have a unique life cycle not found anywhere else in nature. They are intermediate between bacteria and viruses, so they can be difficult to detect. Moreover, chlamydia was isolated from the urogenital tract only at the end of the 50s of the last century, and the connection with inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary tract was established only 30 years later.

Causes of chlamydia in men

At the moment, the ability to cause specific diseases in humans has been proven only for three types of chlamydia, and in total there are about 15 serotypes.

Chlamydia trachomatis – sexually transmitted (vaginal, anal, less often oral) and causes a wide range of diseases (urogenital diseases, as well as conjunctivitis, some forms of arthritis, myocarditis, etc.). Found only in humans.

Chlamydophila pneumoniae – infection can occur by airborne and airborne dust, but only under special environmental conditions (warm season and dry air). Causes cases of specific pneumonia, manifested most often by bronchitis (with a tendency to chronicity of the process). Occurs rarely.

Chlamydophila psittaci – transmitted to humans from an animal, the route of transmission is airborne and airborne. Other names for this disease are ornithosis or psittacosis. The source of infection is domestic and wild birds. Most often, men who work as workers in meat processing plants, poultry farms, etc. are susceptible to the disease. The disease begins with flu-like symptoms and becomes life-threatening with the development of the so-called “chlamydial” pneumonia.

In general, the ubiquitous causative agent of chlamydia in men is Ch. trachomatis. The probability of infection through unprotected sexual contact with a patient with chlamydia is about 50%. It is believed that young people infected with chlamydia, in the world there are at least 30%.

Outside the human (animal) body at room temperature, chlamydia quickly die. Therefore, toilet seats, swimming pools, baths, towels, common utensils cannot be the cause of infection. However, this route of infection is often indicated in the popular literature so that people can better monitor hygiene.

Symptoms of chlamydia in men

In men, the urethra is primarily infected. Unpleasant sensations, itching and burning sensation during urination are noted, although the disease may be asymptomatic.

Chlamydial urethritis often occurs as a mixed infection with other sexually transmitted diseases: trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, ureaplasmosis, gardnerellosis, infection with herpes simplex viruses I and II types. Then there is a picture of acute or subacute urethritis (abundant purulent discharge from the urethra, cutting pains at the beginning of urination, urine cloudy from pus) or there may be scanty vitreous discharge from the urethra.

If an infection enters the mucous membrane of the eyes, conjunctivitis can develop – for example, if you rub them with dirty hands. Also, chlamydial conjunctivitis can occur when chlamydia enters the bloodstream. In 2 – 4% of men, it happens with Reiter’s syndrome. It is characterized by a triad of features:

• chronic urethritis;
• chronic arthritis;
• chronic conjunctivitis.

However, in order for the pathological process to start, the presence of three factors is necessary – infection, immunodeficiency and a genetic predisposition to autoimmune diseases.

Treatment of chlamydia in men

All persons who have chlamydia are subject to treatment, even if chlamydia in men is asymptomatic. With a fresh uncomplicated infection, antibiotic therapy is sufficient. Mainly prescribed:

• macrolides (Azithromycin, Spiromycin, Roxithromycin, Clarithromycin, Josamycin, Midekamycin);
• fluoroquinolones (Ofloxacin, Levofloxacin).

The doctor prescribes the treatment and dosage, and he also selects the drug depending on the results of analyzes for the flora and the antibiotic sensitivity test. Monitoring the effectiveness of treatment – 3-4 weeks after the end of treatment.

Diagnostics

An examination, anamnesis, palpation of the affected foci with the taking of material for microscopic examination is carried out. The material is discharge and scrapings from the urethra in men, blood.

Modern treatments

With persistent courses of urogenital chlamydia in men, especially with involvement of the pelvic organs in the inflammatory process, several courses of therapy are carried out with breaks between them in a month. Sometimes it becomes necessary to change the antibacterial drug.

Prevention of chlamydia in men at home

It is the same as with other sexually transmitted diseases:

• protected sex: the best choice is to use condoms during intercourse;
• sexual hygiene: avoid sexual contact with people who are promiscuous, drug addicted or alcoholic;
• regular medical examinations: given that chlamydia can be asymptomatic, it is important that examinations by a dermatovenereologist become a habit;
• prevention of re-infection: tell your sexual partners about your infection – they must also be diagnosed and treated if chlamydia is detected.

Popular questions and answers

We asked questions about chlamydia Head of the Department of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology, SSMU named after IN AND. Razumovsky Andrey Bakulev.