Chlamydia Flashcards
What is the causative agent of Chlamydia?
Chlamydia trachomatis.
What type of bacteria is Chlamydia trachomatis?
Small, obligate intracellular bacteria.
Why are certain antibiotics ineffective against Chlamydia trachomatis?
It lacks peptidoglycan and enzymes to synthesize ATP.
What is the life cycle of Chlamydia trachomatis?
It has a dimorphic life cycle with two forms: Elementary Body (EB) and Reticular Body (RB).
What are the characteristics of the Elementary Body (EB) form of Chlamydia?
Robust, extracellular, infective, and non-replicating.
What are the characteristics of the Reticular Body (RB) form of Chlamydia?
Fragile, intracellular, replicating, and matures into EB.
How is Chlamydia transmitted?
Unprotected sex, infected genital fluids, and mother-to-child transmission.
What diagnostic methods are used for Chlamydia from swab samples?
Immunofluorescent Microscopy, Nucleic Acid Tests, and Antibody Tests.
What diagnostic method is used for Chlamydia from urine samples?
PCR.
Can treatment for Chlamydia commence without a positive diagnosis?
Yes, if infection is suspected.
What program provides Chlamydia testing kits?
The National Chlamydia Screening Programme.
What percentage of women with Chlamydia are asymptomatic?
70%
What are common symptoms of Chlamydia in men?
Pain during urination
Unusual discharge
Pain and swelling of the testicles
What symptoms might women with Chlamydia experience?
Pain in the stomach, bleeding after sex, and bleeding between periods.
What are complications of untreated Chlamydia in women?
Cervicitis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, and pregnancy complications.
