Chlamydia trachoma has many serovars, some of which have a predilection to attack the reproductive tract and others a predilection to attack the eye. In 2017, a total of 1,708,569 new sexually acquired trachoma infections were reported, in the U.S.

In 2006, in Sweden, a new variant of chlamydia trachoma was identified, after officials noticed an increase in complicated infections leading to ectopic pregnancies and infertility. The study reported an all-time high for trachoma, and estimated 8,000 cases had not been reported. The study reported concern the new variant may escape detection, using routine tests. The authors did not address the consequences to men who acquired the new variant of chlamydia trachoma.