What complications can result from vertical transmission of Chlamydia trachomatis during pregnancy?

Vertical transmission of Chlamydia trachomatis during pregnancy primarily leads to complications such as neonatal conjunctivitis and pneumonia. Chlamydia can infect the conjunctival tissue of the newborn during delivery, particularly if the mother has an active infection at the time of childbirth. This can result in conjunctivitis, also known as ophthalmia neonatorum, which presents typically in the first few weeks of life.

Additionally, Chlamydia can cause pneumonia in newborns. This occurs when the bacteria ascend from the lower genital tract into the lungs, often manifesting as a persistent cough, tachypnea, or respiratory distress approximately one to three months after birth.

These conditions underscore the importance of screening and treating pregnant women for chlamydia to prevent such complications in newborns. While other complications, such as preterm labor or miscarriage, can occur with various infections, they are not directly associated with chlamydia transmission during pregnancy, making it critical to understand the specific risks associated with this infection.