Chlamydia trachomatis infection in young men with acute epididymitis and their sexual partners

: Untreated infection of female partners by men with chlamydial epididymitis may have serious effects on the partners' fertility. To assess the need for detailed microbiological investigation, 32 patients, 35 years old or younger, with epididymitis and their sexual partners were examined. The patients underwent thorough evaluations, including chlamydia isolation, microscopy of urethral swab, bacterial culture, and chlamydia serologic testing. An infective cause was identified in 56% of the patients. The most common microorganism was Chlamydia trachomatis. This microorganism was identified from urethral swabs in 11 patients (34%). A total of 18 sexual partners were traced and investigated for chlamydia antigen by cervical swab, urinary bacterial culture, and chlamydia serologic testing. Of the 18 female sexual partners screened, 9 were partners of patients with chlamydial epididymitis; 78% of these women had the same infection. Young men with epididymitis, as well as their partners, should undergo full microbiological evaluation including Chlamydia trachomatis for adequate treatment of this infection.