| Theme |
Recent trend in infectious diseases of the intestine |
| Title |
Chlamydia trachomatis proctitis |
| Author |
Akifumi Ootani |
Department of Internal Medicine, Saga Medical School / Endoscopy Center, AGIH Akimoto Hospital |
| Author |
Kazuma Fujimoto |
Department of Internal Medicine, Saga Medical School |
| [ Summary ] |
Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent bacterial pathogen responsible for sexually transmitted disease in the Western world. Endoscopic findings of Chlamydia trachomatis infection show diffuse friability, erythema, small ulcerations, and numerous nodular lesions that enhanced lymphoid follicle hyperplasia. Histological examination demonstrates diffuse infiltration of inflammatory cells and hyperplasia of lymph follicles. It is however, difficult to distinguish the histopathologic features of Chlamydia proctitis from ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or other infectious colitis. We conclude that GI endoscopists should consider the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis proctitis and include it in differential diagnosis of inflamed rectal mucosa which exhibit numerous nodular lesions when valid. |