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Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection, Pediatric

Sumit Bhargava, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular bacteria responsible for pulmonary infections, ocular trachoma, sexually transmitted diseases, and infections of the genital tract in the pediat...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Presents between 4 and 12 weeks of age

  • Insidious onset

  • Afebrile illness

  • Rhinorrhea

  • Repetitive cough

    • Staccato type in >50% of infants

    • Sometimes, pertussis-like coughing spells

  • Conjunctivit...

TREATMENT

MEDICATION

  • Erythromycin, 50 mg/kg/24 h divided q.i.d. for 14 days (therapy is effective in 80–90% of cases). Additional topical therapy is unnecessary. An association between oral erythromyci...

ONGOING CARE

PROGNOSIS

  • In general, good

  • Infection with C. trachomatis has been associated with long-term respiratory sequelae, such as an increased incidence of reactive airway disease and abnormal pulm...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted disease guidelines 2002. MMWR Recomm Rep.  2002;51(RR-6):1–78. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Geisler WM. Manag...

CODES

ICD9

  • 079.98 Unspecified chlamydial infection

  • 770.0 Congenital pneumonia

  • 076.1 Trachoma, active stage

  • 099.53 Other venereal diseases due to chlamydia trachomatis, lower genitourinary sites

  • 099.54 Othe...

FAQ

  • Q: If the mother has an untreated genital infection, should we treat the asymptomatic newborn?

  • A: Yes. The child should receive oral erythromycin for 14 days.

  • Q: Do we need to pursue the diagnosis o...

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