Women seem to be more susceptible than men. The incidence of infection seems to be directly related to sexual activity and geography, with urban populations having higher incidences. The incidence in pregnant women overall is 4 to 10 percent. Diagnosis of inclusion conjunctivitis is often difficult.
Many times there are little, if any, symptoms.
Infants whose mothers have untreated chlamydial infection have a 30 to 40 percent chance of developing neonatal chlamydial conjunctivitis. Systemic signs and symptoms may include a history of vaginitis, pelvic inflammatory disease or urethritis. Ocular signs and symptoms include the chief complaint that an eye infection has persisted for over three weeks despite treatment with topical antibiotics. Mucopurulent, stringy or mucus discharge is common. A palpable preauricular node is almost always present.