Within-host dynamics of Chlamydia trachomatis infection: Repeat infections and the immune response

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection worldwide. The control of its incidence is a major public health challenge. It is one of the major preventable causes of disability and mortality. Genital Chlamydia infection is asymptomatic and thus commonly undiagnosed and untreated. In this study, we use ordinary differential equation models to provide qualitative insights into the within-host dynamics of Chlamydia infections, the associated host immune response, and the in vivo control or treatment of the infection. The thesis examines optimal control treatment strategies for acute and chronic genital chlamydial infections, including an investigation of efficacious anti-Chlamydia vaccination strategies. Qualitative results of the presented models provide frameworks for the design of new and improved treatment strategies for genital chlamydial infections.