Show Notes
In this episode of This Could Save Your Life Podcast, hosts Dr Catherine Bourke and Dr Anna Mullins discuss Chlamydia trachomatis, the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Australia. Providing an in-depth, evidence-based overview tailored for general practitioners. Key discussion points include: Epidemiology: Chlamydia remains highly prevalent in Australia, with over 100,000 recorded cases in 2024. The majority of cases occur in individuals aged 15 to 29. Clinical Presentation: The infection is frequently asymptomatic, with 85-90% of individuals not displaying symptoms. When present, symptoms can include vaginal or penile discharge, dysuria, pelvic pain, testicular pain in men, intermenstrual or post-coital bleeding in women, and, less commonly, conjunctivitis and reactive arthritis. Complications: Untreated chlamydia can result in serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility in women, epididymo-orchitis in men, and other sequelae including ectopic pregnancy, premature birth, and low birth weight in affected pregnancies. Screening Recommendations: Outlining current Australian guidelines, recommending annual opportunistic screening of all sexually active women under 25, women with new partners over 25, sexually active men based on individual risk, anyone who requests screening, and individuals with a history of STIs or higher risk exposures. Treatment: Uncomplicated chlamydia is typically treated with a one-week course of doxycycline. Complicated or extra-genital infections may require longer courses or intravenous antibiotics. Contact Tracing: The importance of notifying and treating recent sexual partners (up to six months prior), offering tools such as anonymous online partner notification services to aid this process. Prevention: Reinforcing the importance of barrier protection and patient education to reduce STI transmission.
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