Treatment of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in pregnancy.

This chapter gives a systematic review of the literature on treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis infections in pregnant women. The benefits of timely treatment of chlamydial infections in pregnant women are discussed. Antibiotic regimens commonly used for this purpose are identified. A meta-analysis based on randomized trials on pregnant women was performed to compare various antibiotic regimes in terms of microbiological cure, side-effects and tolerance. Data on safety related to the use of these antibiotics during pregnancy are summarized. Cost-effectiveness analyses on relevant antibiotic regimes for the treatment of uncomplicated chlamydial infection in women are identified. Their relevance and their shortcomings regarding the obstetric population are discussed. Treatment options for those who failed initial antibiotic treatment, as well as for the sexual partners of infected patients, are mentioned.