Chlamydia trachomatis. What is it and what diseases does it cause?

The causative agent of the common infectious disease of chlamydia is Chlamydia trachomatis. What is this microorganism and what pathology does it cause? From this article you will learn the answers To many questions.

Chlamydia trachomatis. What is it?

This is the name of the unique bacterium that causes the disease of chlamydia. Its peculiarity is that it lives inside living cells. Therefore, it is very difficult to identify, diagnose and treat Chlamydia trachomatis in a timely manner . What is this infection and what are its symptoms, we will consider further.

Symptoms of the disease

Most chlamydia affect the genitourinary system of women and men. In some cases, the ailment proceeds almost unnoticeably, without causing any symptoms. Usually the first signs of the disease begin to worry only 30 days after the immediate infection. At the same time, a pathogenic microorganism can cause a whole range of specific pathologies. Depending on the form of the disease, the symptoms can be very diverse. Women usually have liquid white discharge, and in men - vitreous. In this case, quite often there is a burning sensation, indicating an inflammation of the urethra - it will become urethritis. In men with epididymitis caused by chlamydia, there is swelling in the scrotum, accompanied by pain. In some cases, an increase in body temperature is possible. Chlamydial prostatitis is usually diagnosed with prolonged exposure to Chlamydia trachomatis. What is this disease and how does it manifest itself? The ailment is accompanied by pain in the area of the sacrum, perineum and rectum, which are aggravated by defecation and prolonged sitting. In the absence of treatment, it is possible to develop male infertility, decrease the potency. In women, the diseases caused by this pathogenic microorganism are most often asymptomatic. With chlamydial endometritis, there may be bloody discharge. Often, the infection causes inflammation of the pelvic organs, accompanied by painful sensations in the lower abdomen, fever.

Ways of infection

Infection is committed both in sexual intercourse and through the infected with Chlamydia trachomatis underwear and hands. Newborns can become infected in utero or when passing through the birth canal.

Complications

For quite a long time, the infection may not manifest itself in any way. Therefore, due to lack of treatment, complications may develop. In men, a pathogenic microorganism can cause infertility and Reiter's disease (urethitis, conjunctivitis and arthritis at the same time). In women, this is the obstruction of the tubes and ectopic pregnancy, in rare cases - Reiter's disease.

Diagnostics

Chlamydia trachomatis analysis is mandatory for pregnant women, as well as for suspected UGH, infertility, stillbirth, salpingitis, proctitis. Frequent change of sexual partners is also an indicator for regular screening for the detection of hidden infections. Nowadays, IFA diagnostics is very popular, detecting specific antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis, developed in response to the introduction of an infected antigen. The material for this study is serum.