Chlamydia Infection: The Silent STD

Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is caused by a bacterium, Chlamydia Trachomatis (C. Trachomatis). The term chlamydia derives from the Greek word chlamys, chlamydos (= cloak). This name indicates the way the bacterium C. Trachomatis invades and infects human cells: The bacterium has been described to drape itself around the nucleus of the host cell.

2) Why is chlamydia infection called "The Silent STD"?

Chlamydia infection is one of the most widespread STDs worldwide. According to the latest CDC Chlamydia Prevalence Monitoring Project Annual Report (January 2007), in 2005 there were 976,445 reported cases of chlamydia infection in the USA, a number "nearly three times greater than the reported cases of gonorrhea." (http://www.cdc.gov/std/Chlamydia2005/) What is more, chlamydia infection is highly asymptomatic: More than half of infected men and as many as 85% of infected women do not have any symptoms at all, but they can still pass the infection to their partners.

3) How is chlamydia transmitted?

Chlamydia is an STD. It is transmitted through sexual (vaginal, anal, oral) contact. Infected mothers can pass chlamydia to their babies during delivery (vertical transmission).

4) What are the symptoms of chlamydia infection?

More often than not there are no signs or symptoms, which is what makes this STD so widespread. When symptoms are present, they include genital discharge, difficulty urinating , abdominal and/or low-back pain, and bleeding after intercourse or between periods (in women). However, the real trouble with chlamydia infection is not so much the symptoms as the potential complications.

5) What are the complications of chlamydia infection?

Serious, long-term complications of chlamydia infection are far more common in women. If not detected and treated, the infection will most likely spread upwards into the reproductive organs and cause scarring of the tissue in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. This places infected women at high risk for pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, premature delivery, and even infertility. As a matter of fact, chlamydia is a major cause of female infertility.

6) Who is at risk?

Sexually active adolescents and young adults, especially if they practice unsafe sex and/or have multiple partners.

7) Is there a cure for chlamydia?

Yes. Chlamydia infection is perfectly treatable with certain antibiotics (e.g. azithromycin, doxycycline, erythromycin, tetracycline).

8) How is chlamydia diagnosed?

Chlamydia can be diagnosed by different types of tests. Some detect chlamydia antigens, others the chlamydia DNA. Depending on the type of test, the health professional may collect a smear from the affected area or a urine sample.

9) Who should be tested for chlamydia?

An annual test for chlamydia is recommended for all sexually active people under 25 years of age, even if they are asymptomatic. Adults over 25 years who practice unsafe sex and/or have multiple sexual partners should also be tested once a year. Pregnant women are tested for chlamydia as part of the routine prenatal screening.

10) How can chlamydia infection be prevented?

Abstinence, mutual monogamy with an uninfected partner, safe sex practices, education, regular testing, and open communication with one's sexual partner(s) are effective preventive measures against chlamydia infection.