Integrative Biomedical Research
Integrative Biomedical Research (Journal of Angiotherapy) | Online ISSN 3068-6326
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Volume 8 Number 8 2024
REVIEWS (Open Access)
Chlamydia trachomatis Infection: Clinical Burden, Diagnostic Approaches, and Evidence-Based Nursing Management
Nader Saad Awad Al-Mutairi 1, Faisal Zabin Hashar Alotaibi 1, Mohammad Naseer Ali Alqahtani 1, Muteb Abdullah Almutairi 1,2, Faris Muqbil Alotaibi 1,2, Hzam Alkorbi Zid Aldossri 2,3, Abdullah Abdalalhelal 3, and Rakan Jadi Al-Harbi 3
Journal of Angiotherapy 8 (8) 1-8 https://doi.org/10.25163/angiotherapy.8810729
Submitted: 27 May 2024 Revised: 26 July 2024 Accepted: 02 August 2024 Published: 04 August 2024
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis infection remains one of the most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted infections worldwide and continues to pose a substantial burden on reproductive, sexual, and public health. Its clinical significance is complicated by the fact that many infections remain asymptomatic, allowing silent transmission and delayed diagnosis. If left untreated, Chlamydia may progress to serious complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, epididymitis, conjunctivitis, and other systemic sequelae. In this context, early recognition, appropriate treatment, and nursing-led prevention strategies are particularly important. This updated narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, risk factors, diagnostic evaluation, medical treatment, and nursing management of C. trachomatis infection. Particular emphasis was placed on multidisciplinary care, patient education, partner management, and health promotion strategies relevant to routine clinical and nursing practice. The review highlights that C. trachomatis infection frequently presents with absent or nonspecific symptoms despite its capacity to cause considerable reproductive and systemic morbidity. Nucleic acid amplification testing remains the diagnostic gold standard due to its high sensitivity and applicability across multiple specimen types. Recommended management includes timely antimicrobial therapy, screening of high-risk populations, partner notification, follow-up testing, and behavioral counseling. Nursing care plays a central role in improving treatment adherence, reducing stigma, supporting psychosocial well-being, and strengthening prevention efforts through education and coordinated care. Effective control of Chlamydia infection requires more than antibiotic treatment alone. It depends on timely diagnosis, patient-centered nursing interventions, partner management, and sustained public health strategies aimed at reducing reinfection, complications, and ongoing transmission.
Keywords: Chlamydia trachomatis, Sexually transmitted infection, Nucleic acid amplification test, Nursing management, Pelvic inflammatory disease
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