Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular organisms from bacteria that now comprise 3 species. Serotypes L1, L2, and L3, the agents that infect tissues deeper to the epithelium and cause lymphogranuloma venereum, also are included. Trachoma and neonatal conjunctivitis are discussed in other chapters so this discussion is restricted to adult inclusion conjunctivitis. Adult inclusion conjunctivitis results from C trachomatis serotypes D-K, causing chronic follicular conjunctivitis that can occur in adults or in the neonate.
Gonorrhea is the most common co-infection with adult inclusion conjunctivitis.
The epidemiology of this disease revolves around sexual contact. The incubation period is 4-12 days. It is most common in persons aged 15-35 years. Men may have symptomatic or nonsymptomatic urethritis. Conjunctivitis often is chronic and may last for many months.