Chlamydia

Question 1

Who is the burden of infection highest amongst?

Answer 1

Adolescents and young adults ages 15-24.

Question 2

What is the Chlamydia infection rate of women compared to men?

Answer 2

Women have twice the rate of infection compared to men.

Question 3

Which race / ethnicity group has the highest rate of infection compared to other race / ethnicity groups?

Answer 3

African-Americans

Question 4

Is a Chlamydia infection usually symptomatic or asymptomatic

Answer 4

Chlamydia infections are often asymptomatic

Question 5

Are men or women most affected by complications from a Chlamydia infection

Answer 5

Women

Question 6

When complications occur in women with Chlamydia infections, what are the main ones?

Answer 6

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Poor birth outcomes
• Infertility

Question 7

What is the name of the bacterial pathogen that causes chlamydia infection?

Answer 7

Chlamydia Trachomatis (sometimes called CT)

Question 8

Where in / on the cell does chlamydia grow?

Answer 8

Chlamydia grows inside cells (intracellular infection).

This is one reason why chlamydia infection can persist if it is not recognized and treated

Question 9

Can chlamydiae be seen on a Gram stain?

Answer 9

Unlike many bacteria, chlamydiae cannot be seen on a Gram stain.

This makes diagnosis more complicated since advanced molecular technology (PCR) is required to detect the bacterial DNA.