Epidemiology of chlamydial infection of the human genital tract: evidence for the existence of latent infections

Abstract

A group of 536 women attending a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases was investigated for cervical infection by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. Conclusions have been reached concerning the existence and significance of latent and subclinical chlamydial infection of the female genital tract, and on the sexual infectivity of Chlamydia trachomatis to women. The results of the study indicate (1) demonstrable chlamydial infection in 25% of all women attending the clinic for the first time, and in 11% of those with unknown contact history; (2) sexual transmission of Chlamydia trachomatis; 45% of women exposed to chlamydiae contract the infection compared with 75% of those exposed to Neisseria gonorrhoeae; (3) the possibility of reactivation of latent chlamydial infection by Neisseria gonorrhoeae in some women.