- Pelvic inflammatory is most commonly caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- C. trachomatis is an obligate intracellular organism.
- Obligate intracellular organisms are best combated by a strong cellular immune response.
- CD 4+ Th1 cells promote a cellular immune response.
- T-bet is the master transcription factor for Th1 cells.
- It can cause cervicitis, urethritis, and proctitis
- In women, these infections can lead to
- Pelvic inflammatory disease PID
- tubal factor infertility
- ectopic pregnancy
- chronic pelvic pain
- Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is another type of STD caused by C. trachomatis. LGV is the cause of recent proctitis outbreaks among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) worldwide.