ng widely available. Samples of discharge from the urethra or cervix, or an early morning urine specimen from men, can be tested for the presence of the organism. These tests are not perfect, and any positive result should be confirmed by further tests either on the original specimen, or on a further sample. Blood tests for specific antibody against Chlamydia trachomatis are unhelpful for diagnosing acute infection, and should not be used. How is it treated? Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis is treated with a course of antibiotics. The most commonly used are doxycycline or erythromycin. Newer antibiotics include azithromycin (related to erythromycin, but effective in a single dose against uncomplicated chlamydial genital infection), and ofloxacin (a new fluoroquinolone). Side effects (nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea) are less frequent with newer agents, but older therapies are cheaper....
