Acute primary Chlamydia trachomatis infection in male adolescents after their first sexual contact

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis infection occurs primarily among young se xually active persons. Few studies have evaluated the kinetics of markers o f infection in male adolescents after their first sexual contact. Design: Primary C trachomatis infection in 4 young male adolescents after t heir first sexual contact was diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction and an tigen detection in sequential first voiding urine and urethral specimens, r espectively. Serial serum samples were assessed for the presence of specifi c IgA and IgG antibodies. Results: Both polymerase chain reaction and antigen detection correctly ide ntified all cases of primary C trachomatis infection. The polymerase chain reaction method was, however, an earlier marker of infection. Three patient s were seronegative at presentation. Two of these subsequently seroconverte d to either IgA or IgG, while the third remains seronegative. The time inte rval from on set of symptoms to seroconversion ranged from 10 to 25 days. Conclusions: Although polymerase chain reaction and antigen and serologic d etection have previously been described in primary C trachomatis infection, this report documents the variability of these markers during the first ph ase of infection in non-sexually active young male adolescents. C trachomat is can be acquired by male adolescents after their first sexual contact; ho wever, there is a prolonged period when the patient is seronegative, yet in fections can occur.