Mary, who is in her early 20s, went to her GP with a mild vaginal discharge. Physical examination was normal, as was a set of routine swabs. About a month later, Mary started passing water more often. She also had a burning sensation on urination. This happened twice within two weeks, so she returned to her GP. This time, her doctor sent off a special chlamydia swab to UCD, which came back positive. In the meantime, the doctor was strongly suspicious of chlamydia infection and she treated Mary with a drug called doxycycline for two weeks.

Mary's symptoms cleared up completely. She discussed the diagnosis with her boyfriend who subsequently attended for examination and a chlamydia swab. This was also positive and he received treatment for the bacteria. They both returned for re-testing after some weeks and were relieved to be told that neither had any trace of remaining chlamydia infection.