Chlamydia trachomatis – what will you do to me if I catch you?

Chlamydiosis – what causes it?

Chlamydia is a disease caused by bacteria from the Chlamydiales group . Some of them are transmitted sexually, others – through droplets or through contact with an infected animal. One such bacteria is our anti-heroine of today: Chlamydia trachomatis .

Infection most often occurs during unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal). Oral sex, on the other hand, can cause chlamydia to spread in the throat. In addition, the bacteria can also be transmitted through touch and during childbirth – all it takes is an open wound or contact with a mucous membrane, and we have a problem.

How common is infection?

Chlamydia bacteria are widespread throughout the world, and Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common cause of sexually transmitted infections – approximately 100 million people a year become infected with it during sexual intercourse!

Risk factors are:

• young age (under 25 years of age; the highest number of infections is recorded among people aged 15 to 25),
• any previous infections with venereal diseases,
• a large number of sexual partners and not using protection (condoms) during intercourse.

Symptoms caused by chlamydia are often similar to those of better-known and more frequently diagnosed diseases, hence the problems in estimating the scale of the phenomenon.

The species of chlamydia that are pathogenic to humans (except trachomatis ) include:

• Chlamydia pneumoniae – unlike trachomatis , the Chlamydia pneumoniae variety is transmitted by droplets. It causes respiratory diseases, including pneumonia, infections and inflammations of the throat or trachea, and recurrent runny nose. It can also be responsible for arthritis.
• Chlamydia psittaci – a zoonotic bacterium (carriers are mainly birds – both farmed and wild) causing ornithosis (parrot disease).

As I mentioned at the beginning, today we are working behind Miss Trachomatis' back . I don't feel stupid about it at all - we don't need such a "friend" at all ;)

Chlamydia - symptoms of infection

In most cases, the infection is asymptomatic for the first few weeks of infection – the incubation period can last from 3 to 4 weeks (although usually from 1 to 3). Most available sources on chlamydia state that about 75% of infected women and 50% of men do not experience symptoms during the course of the infection! However, this is not good news – the bacteria roaming around the body can wreak silent havoc, which at some point may simply be too late to repair.

The disease can attack various organs, not only those belonging to the genitourinary system – as you will read in a moment, the symptoms sometimes also affect the respiratory tract, joints, and even the eyes!

Chlamydia – symptoms in women…

In women, the infection initially affects the cervix. In 20% to 40% of them, cervicitis is simultaneously detected. In addition, chlamydia often also causes inflammation of the urethra, which can be carelessly ignored.

Sometimes, symptoms of chlamydia infection do not appear even after the infection has started to spread throughout the body (for example, from the cervix to the fallopian tube or rectum).

The most frequently mentioned symptoms of the disease are:

• genitourinary system ailments:
• pain during urination and also during intercourse,
• mucopurulent vaginal discharge,
• intermenstrual bleeding and increased blood secretion during menstruation and similar,
• abdominal or lower abdominal pain.

…and men

In men, chlamydia infection often causes symptoms of the genitourinary system (inflammation of the urethra, prostate gland, and even the rectal area).

In the case of urethritis caused by Chlamydia bacteria in men, the following symptoms most often appear:

• pain and burning when urinating,
• purulent discharge from the urethra,
• testicular pain (as a symptom of epididymitis, in combination with tenderness and swelling of the scrotum),
• frequent need to urinate.

Sometimes, inflammation of the rectum (accompanied by purulent discharge or bleeding from the rectum) also occurs.

Additionally, the following may occur as consequences of Chlamydia trachomatis infection :

Chlamydial sore throat

It is usually asymptomatic, in some cases a slight sore throat appears. However, it significantly impedes the effectiveness of treatment and the speed of detecting the presence of bacteria in the body. The disease itself is rather rare, but bacterial sore throat can actually occur through the transmission of bacteria during oral sex.

Chlamydial conjunctivitis

Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria are also responsible for inclusion conjunctivitis, or chlamydial conjunctivitis. This is a relatively rare disease. The infection can be sexually transmitted (in the case of contact with the genital secretions of an infected person) or transmitted to the child during childbirth.

The most common symptoms of this disease are:

• the appearance of specific lumps (so-called lymphocytic lumps) on the lower eyelids,
• infiltrates on the corneas.

Chlamydial conjunctivitis is diagnosed during a slit-lamp eye examination. Additionally, a conjunctival swab is taken for diagnosis.

Conjunctivitis is usually accompanied by other symptoms of chlamydia, such as cervicitis and urethritis. Transmission can occur through transfer of chlamydia bacteria from the genitals to the eye area and conjunctiva. For this reason, treatment begins with a general-spectrum antibiotic.

The risk of vertical infection (mother-child) with trachomatis bacteria ranges from 50% to 70%.

Newborns who are infected with bacteria during birth may experience:

• purulent discharge from the eyes,
• swelling of the eyelids,
• congestion of eyeballs,
• additional illnesses: pneumonia, throat infections, ear infections and the like.

Chlamydial conjunctivitis in newborns is treated in hospital, under the constant care of doctors. Antibiotic therapy is essential, both general and local. In the case of diagnosed disease, antibiotic treatment is also provided to the child's parents.

Chlamydia conjunctivitis can be fully cured – early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent visual acuity loss or scarring of the conjunctiva and cornea that chlamydia can leave behind. These types of infections tend to recur, and if left untreated, they can lead to chronic conjunctivitis. So keep this in mind and watch closely for any recurring symptoms.

Reactive arthritis

The main symptoms of arthritis caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis are pain and swelling of a single (or several) joints – most often it affects the lower limbs. In addition, there is pain in the back, buttocks and even heels, which significantly affects mobility and can cause difficulties in moving. Some patients also experience skin changes (rash, peeling skin on the soles of the feet).

The method of treating arthritis depends on the stage of the disease and the type of complications that accompany it. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, rheumatological drugs and local preparations are used to alleviate extra-articular symptoms (i.e. the aforementioned skin pathologies). Of course, it is important to limit movement and any physical activity during the treatment.

Diagnosis: chlamydia

Diagnosis of the disease

In order to accurately diagnose a chlamydia infection, the level of IgM and IgG immunoglobulins in the blood should be determined, as well as a swab from the vulva, cervix (in women) or urethral meatus (regardless of gender). IgG antibodies indicate a previous infection, while IgM antibodies indicate an ongoing infection in the body. Additionally, urine tests are performed.

Early detection of chlamydia is crucial for people who are or are planning to become pregnant. Chlamydia infection increases the risk of premature birth or ectopic pregnancy .

Treatment of chlamydia

In the treatment of infection with both Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia pneumoniae bacteria , antibiotic therapy is used (for all sexual partners). The venereologist decides on the dosage and choice of a specific substance. Treatment of chlamydia usually lasts 7 days - patients are given azithromycin or doxycycline.

For 7 days after symptoms have subsided and treatment has ended, you should refrain from sexual intercourse, even with a condom.

Chlamydia trachomatis – complications

Untreated chlamydia is associated with serious consequences and leads to many dangerous complications. These include: cervical erosions, inflammation of the fallopian tubes, pancreas or gallbladder, diseases of the blood vessels and weakening of the immune system.

Chlamydia increases the risk of infertility – the pelvic inflammatory disease it causes can result in blocked fallopian tubes in women and cause problems with the correct implantation of a fertilized egg; similarly in men – untreated infection can cause blocked sperm ducts and affect sperm production.

Prevention, or how to avoid chlamydiosis?

We already know how dangerous the complications of chlamydia can be. And since many people are not aware of the infection, because they do not experience any symptoms during the disease, it is necessary to introduce preventive practices that can help avoid (or minimize the risk of) infection with the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria :

• using a condom during intercourse;
• avoiding casual sexual intercourse;
• limiting the number of sexual partners;
• regular tests – every sexually active person with multiple partners should be tested for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria in the body as a preventive measure; in the case of a previous infection, tests should be repeated every 3 to 6 months, while all sexually active people (having sex with more than one partner) or planning a pregnancy under the age of 25 should be tested at least once a year;
• taking care of intimate hygiene – vaginal rinsing (so-called douching) is absolutely not recommended, and not only for chlamydia prevention; douching can disrupt the natural pH inside the vagina, which can lead to unpleasant infections. And let's not forget the classic household rule of "a separate towel for everyone". Better safe than sorry ;)