Genital infections in men associated with Chlamydia trachomatis

Abstract

The advent of new diagnostic procedures has made it possible for urologists to detect chlamydial presence in genital infections. Many studies have shown chlamydial association with urethritis. However, its presence in prostatitis and epididymitis has not been clearly defined yet. In this study we investigated the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis using enzyme linked immuno assay (ELISA) antigen and antibody detection method in sexually active men with different genital infections. We have found that in 32.1% of patients with non-gonococcal urethritis chlamydial antigen is detectable. We also have been able to detect chlamydial antigen in two patients with chronic non-bacterial prostatitis, but in no patients with epididymitis. We conclude that besides its presence in urethritis, there is an association between chlamydia and chronic prostatitis. Yet, further studies are needed to delineate this association more clearly.