What is the recommended treatment for Chlamydia trachomatis?

The recommended treatment for Chlamydia trachomatis is doxycycline, and it is often provided in conjunction with ceftriaxone when there is a need to cover for coinfection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, particularly due to the high rates of simultaneous infections. Doxycycline is effective against Chlamydia as it inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, leading to the death of the bacteria. When treating for both chlamydia and gonorrhea, ceftriaxone is included to ensure effective coverage against gonorrhea, which can also present alongside chlamydia infections.

In clinical practice, it’s essential to consider the likelihood of dual infections when a patient is diagnosed with chlamydia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines recommend this combination therapy to adequately address the patient’s treatment needs, mainly because untreated gonorrhea could lead to severe complications.

The other treatment choices, such as ampicillin and trimethoprim, are not first-line treatments for chlamydia. Metronidazole is primarily used for anaerobic infections and protozoal infections, such as Trichomonas vaginalis, and is not effective for treating chlamydia. Therefore, doxycycline with ceftriaxone stands out