MATERNAL and INFANTILE INFECTION WITH CHLAMYDIA IN A SWEDISH POPULATION

Abstract
C. trachomatis was isolated from 2.4% of 1328 puerperal women. The frequency was highest in the age group below 20 yr and thereafter decreased with increasing age. Chlamydial conjunctivitis was confirmed in 0.4% of the infants. Two additional cases of conjunctivitis occurred among the exposed infants but chlamydia cultures were not obtained. In a separate ophthalmological material of neonatal conjunctivitis 1/3 of the cases developing within the 1st month of life was associated with Chlamydia. The early and sharp incidence peak for chlamydial conjunctivitis suggested that transmission occurred at delivery. No cases of chlamydial pneumonia were noted. Peroral chemotherapy is recommended in infants for systemic eradication of C. trachomatis.