Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most frequently reported sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. with a estimated 2.8 million infections charted yearly and an approximate incidence rate of 457.6 cases per 100,000 population (Keegan, Diedrich, & Peipert, 2014).
Chlamydia generally appears in sexually active individuals younger than twenty-six years of age, and specifically among those sixteen to nineteen years of age (Keegan et al., 2014). Minorities are affected disproportionally and those whom are impoverished. Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) suggests screening for chlamydial infection in all sexually active, nonpregnant young women ages 25 and younger and in older nonpregnant women at increased risk (Keegan et al., 2014). Chlamydia is detected by including nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), direct immunofluorescence, enzyme immunoassays, and nucleic acid hybridization tests (Keegan, Diedrich, & Peipert, 2014).
Treatment for Chlamydia consists of ordering Azithromycin 1 g orally in single dose or an alternate dose of Doxycycline 100 mg orally twice a day x 7 days for nonpregnant women and men (Keegan et al., 2014). For pregnant women the medication treatment plan consists of Azithromycin 1 g orally in a single dose or an alternate order for Amoxicillin 500 mg orally three times a day for x 7 days (Keegan et al., 2014).
Keegan, M. B., Diedrich, J. T., & Peipert, J. F. (2014). Chlamydia trachomatis Infection: Screening and Management. Journal of clinical outcomes management : JCOM, 21(1), 30–38.
