ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on host response to chlamydial infection will contain tissue tropism, inflammatory response, role of inflammatory reaction in pathogenesis and resistance, and factors affecting these reactions. The local inflammatory reaction to chlamydial infection is characterized by heavy infiltration of the tissue by many types of inflammatory cells. The inflammatory signs at the site of infection include redness, swelling and edema, and a mucopurulent discharge. The granulomatous inflammatory reaction is manifested in the host’s other immune responses which are unique among chlamydial infections. The primary purpose of the inflammatory reaction is to rid the host of invading organisms. The incidence of tubal infertility has continued to rise during the past two decades as a consequence of increasing numbers of women suffering from pelvic inflammatory disease due to Chlamydia trachomatis. The importance of inflammatory reactions in host resistance against chlamydial infection has been studied in an animal model by R. S. Stephens et al.
