Grandaughter

MY 10 yr old grandaughter had pink eye a couple weeks and it got better.  Now, she is being tested for Chlamydia Eye Infection.  My question is How would a 10 yr old gotten this Chlamydia without having sex?  The doctor says she could have contracted this from sleeping with a dog.  Her cat sleeps on her bed at night but is an indoor cat.  Could you give us an insight on this????

Worried Memere

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Welcome to the STD forum.

First and most important, chlamydia is a rare cause of conjunctivitis (pink eye).  By far the most common causes are some of the same viruses that cause common colds (especially one called adenovirus) and certain bacteria, not sexually transmitted.  Chlamydia is a rare cause. You'll have to talk to your granddaugther's doctor to find why s/he might suspect chlamydia as a cause.

In addition, there is a common non-sexually transmitted king of chlamydia, called Chlamydia pneumoniae.  As the name implies, most commonly it causes pneumonia or bronchitis, but perhaps it sometimes causes conjunctivitis.  I suppose it is possible that certain chlamydia species can be acquired from animals, but I have never heard of it -- but this is an STD forum, and we are not experts in non-sexually transmitted chlamydial infections.

If the test is positive for Chlamydia trachomatis, i.e. the sexually transmitted chlamydia species, then sexual abuse will have to be a consideration.  You are in a much better position than I am to judge whether that is likely, based on her home situation and similar issues.

Bottom line:  Statistically, it seems very unlikely that sexually transmitted chlamydia is responsible for your granddaughter's conjunctivitis.  But if you have additional questions about it, her doctor is the best one to ask.

Regards--  HHH, MD