A Report on Chlamydia, Its History, Symptoms, Causes, Prevention and Treatment

History of the disease

The chlamydia is a small group of no motile coccoid bacteria that are obligate intracellular parasites of eukaryotic cells. Chlamydial cells are unable to carry out energy metabolism and lack many biosynthetic pathways; therefore, they are entirely dependent on the host cell to supply them with ATP and other intermediates. Because of their dependence on host biosynthetic machinery, the chlamydia were originally thought to be viruses; however, they have a cell wall and contain DNA, RNA, and ribosomes and therefore are now classified as bacteria. The group consists of a single genus, Chlamydia). This genus contains the species C trachomatis and C psittaci, as well as a new organism, the TWAR organism, which has recently been proposed as a third species. All three species cause disease in humans. Chlamydia psittaci infects a wide variety of birds and a number of mammals, whereas C trachomatis is limited largely to humans. Chlamydia pneumoniae has been found only in humans.

Chlamydia trachomatis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. You may not know you have chlamydia because many people never develop the signs or symptoms, such as genital pain and discharge from the vagina or penis. Chlamydia trachomatis affects both men and women and occurs in all age groups, though it's most prevalent among young women. Chlamydia isn't difficult to treat once you know you have it. If left untreated, however, it can lead to more-serious health problems.

The symptoms

In women, genital chlamydia often does not cause symptoms. However, some women have 'nonspecific symptoms' such as cystitis, changes in vaginal discharge and mild abdominal pain.

If a treatment is not done, chlamydia infection can cause: pelvic pain, intercourse with pain or, sometimes, bleeding between periods.

Chlamydia infection can also spread to the uterus and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is one of the leading causes of infertility, ectopic pregnancy and spontaneous abortion. Men with chlamydia usually have a discharge from the urethra through the penis. There may also be an inflammation of the tubes that go from the bladder to the tip of the penis or from the testicles to the penis. This discomfort may disappear, but the infection can continue to spread to the sexual partner.

The main risk factors are:

• Active sex life before age 25.
• Having multiple sexual partners or sporadic sex with strangers.
• Do not use prophylactic measures in sexual relations.
• Have a history of sexually transmitted diseases.

The causes

Since chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it is spread from one person to another during intimate sexual contact. Chlamydia can be spread by: unprotected vaginal intercourse, unprotected anal sex or by genital contact with an infected partner.

As it is common for a person with chlamydial infection to have no symptoms, it is possible for that person to infect their partner without knowing it. Chlamydia cannot be spread by using the same toilet seat as an infected person, nor can it be spread in swimming pools or saunas.

Chlamydia can be spread from mother to baby during childbirth. Although at first the obvious symptoms are not apparent, the infection often occurs within two weeks of birth, and may have complications such as pneumonia.

Consequences of chlamydia if left untreated

If chlamydia is not treated in time it has very serious consequences in the case of women, as it can cause infertility as it damages the uterus and fallopian tubes, in addition to the urethra. For this reason, frequent gynecological controls are important to guarantee the well-being of sexually active women, because, as we have explained, in most cases there are no symptoms that let you know that you have chlamydia. In the case of men, this disease rarely causes complications although, if left untreated, it can be spread to anyone with whom vaginal, oral or anal sex is maintained without protection. In addition, having this STD increases the risk of contracting other sexually transmitted diseases, such as the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV

Treatment

Chlamydia is a sexual disease that is treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline and ceftriaxone. These antibiotics cure the infection if it is detected in time, but they cannot reverse any damage that the disease has already caused, so an early diagnosis is important to avoid irreversible problems. It is recommended to avoid sexual contact until the treatment is over so as not to infect other people. In addition, it is very important to keep in mind that only a healthcare professional can indicate the appropriate treatment for a chlamydial infection, so visiting a doctor is essential. You should also follow the prescribed treatment to treat this sexual infection. This sexually transmitted disease does not cure on its own, so it always requires medical treatment supervised by a professional.

Prevention

Chlamydia is spread through sexual secretions such as sperm (semen), pre-ejaculatory fluid and vaginal secretions. So the best way to avoid chlamydia and other STDs is to not have vaginal, anal or oral sex. However, this does not work for most people, and that is where condoms and oral latex barriers play a key role. They really serve to reduce the chances of getting an STD if you have sex. Getting regular STD tests is another good way to stay healthy.