Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which infection does not primarily affect the labia and vagina?

1. Bacterial vaginosis

2. Candidiasis

3. Trichomoniasis

4. Chlamydia trachomatis

The correct answer is: Chlamydia trachomatis

Chlamydia trachomatis is primarily a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects the cervix and, more broadly, the reproductive tract rather than specifically targeting the labia and vagina. It often leads to cervicitis, which is an inflammation of the cervix, and can subsequently ascend to infect the upper reproductive organs, such as the uterus and fallopian tubes, potentially causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). In contrast, bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, and trichomoniasis directly involve the vaginal area and labia, leading to symptoms localized to those regions, such as abnormal discharge, itching, and irritation. Thus, Chlamydia trachomatis is distinct in its primary sites of infection, focusing more on the internal reproductive structures rather than the external genitalia.