US Preventive Services Task Force

The United States Preventive Services Task Force is this country's leading source of recommendations and guidelines for screening tests, counseling, immunizations, and use of medications for disease prevention. It is composed of medical experts and is sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

The task force regularly conducts rigorous, impartial assessments of scientific evidence and develops recommendations for clinical preventive services.

Chlamydia Test

Test Overview

Chlamydia tests use a sample of body fluid or urine to see whether chlamydia bacteria (Chlamydia trachomatis) are present and causing an infection. Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted diseases (STD) in the United States.

Several types of tests can be used to find a chlamydia infection. Most tests use a sample of body fluid from the affected area.

• Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT). These tests find the genetic material (DNA) of chlamydia bacteria. These tests are the most sensitive tests available. This means they are very accurate and that they are very unlikely to have false-positive test results. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is an example of a nucleic acid amplification test. This test can also be done on a urine sample.
• Nucleic acid hybridization tests (DNA probe test). A probe test also finds chlamydia DNA. A probe test is very accurate but is not as sensitive as nucleic acid amplification tests.
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA, EIA). This common, quick test finds substances (chlamydia antigens) that trigger the immune system to fight chlamydia infection.
• Direct fluorescent antibody test (DFA). This common, quick test also finds chlamydia antigens.
• Chlamydia culture. A culture is a special cup that allows the chlamydia bacteria to grow. This test is more expensive and the results take longer (5 to 7 days) than the other tests. The culture must be done in a lab. The chlamydia culture test may be done when child sexual abuse is suspected or when treatment for infection has not worked.

Why It Is Done

A test for chlamydia is done to:

• See whether symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) are caused by a chlamydia infection.
• Check people who are at high risk for being infected with chlamydia. A chlamydia infection does not always cause symptoms. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends checking for chlamydia for:
  • All sexually active women age 25 or younger.
  • Women older than age 25 with high-risk sexual behaviors.
  • All pregnant women in the first trimester and again in the 3rd trimester if high-risk sexual behaviors are reported. Treating a pregnant woman who has a chlamydia infection can prevent an infection in her newborn.
  • All women with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  • All women with symptoms of a cervical infection (cervicitis) found on a pelvic exam.
• Check for infection in a newborn whose mother had a chlamydia infection at the time of delivery.

How To Prepare

A chlamydia test is done on either fluid (direct sample) collected from the area of the body that is most likely to be infected or on a urine sample. If your chlamydia test is being done on a:

• Direct sample (usually from the cervix): A woman should not douche or use vaginal creams or medicines for 24 hours before having a chlamydia test.
• Urine sample: Do not urinate for 2 hours before a urine sample is collected.

How It Is Done

Direct sample

In a direct sample, a sample of body fluid is taken from the affected area. In adults, these areas may include the cervix, urethra, rectum, or eye.

• For men. To collect a sample from the urethra or rectum, your health professional will insert a swab into the opening of your urethra or rectum to collect a sample. A sample from the urethra is more likely to detect chlamydia if a man has not urinated for at least 2 hours before the sample is taken.
• For women. To collect a sample from the cervix, you will take off your clothes below the waist and drape a cloth around your waist. You will lie on your back on an examination table with your feet raised and supported by stirrups. This allows your health professional to examine your vagina and genital area. Your health professional will insert an instrument with curved sides (speculum) into your vagina. The speculum gently spreads apart the vaginal walls so the inside of the vagina and the cervix can be looked at. Samples are collected from the cervix with a swab or small brush.
• To collect a sample from your eye, your health professional will gently brush the insides of your lower and upper eyelids with a swab.

In rare cases, a throat culture may be done.

Urine sample

If a urine sample is collected for nucleic acid amplification testing (such as PCR testing), do not urinate for 2 hours before the test. Do not wipe the genital area clean before urinating. Collect the first part of your urine stream, immediately as you begin urinating.

How It Feels

Collecting a sample of fluid from the urethra, anus, or rectum may cause mild discomfort or pain.

Collecting a sample from the cervix may cause mild discomfort. Most women find that the procedure feels like a Pap test or pelvic examination. Some women feel some cramping when the speculum is inside the vagina.

Collecting a sample from the eye is painless unless the eyelids have sores on them.

Risks

There is very little chance of problems when collecting a sample of fluid from the cervix, urethra, rectum, eyes, or throat.

In rare cases, a person may suddenly get dizzy or feel faint (called vasovagal syncope) because of fear or pain when the swab is inserted into the urethra.

Results

Chlamydia tests use a sample of body fluid or urine to see whether chlamydia bacteria (Chlamydia trachomatis) are present and causing an infection.

Chlamydia tests

Normal:	No chlamydia antigens or DNA are found. If a culture is done, no chlamydia bacteria grow in the culture. More tests for other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may be needed to find the cause of symptoms.
Abnormal:	Chlamydia antigens or DNA are found. If a culture is done, chlamydia bacteria grow in the culture.

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

• Urinating before (within 2 hours) of collecting a urine sample or a sample of fluid from the urethra.
• Stool with the rectal sample.
• Using antibiotics before the test.
• Douching or using vaginal creams or medicines 24 hours before the test.

Picture of diseases cause by chlamydia

I listed some of the diseases picture cause by chlamydia and why we need to be serious about it.

Mucopurulent cervicitis due to chlamydia showing ectopy, edema, and discharge.









Chlamydial conjunctivitis occurs in two forms:

• neonatal type: acquired from an infected cervix. Most common cause of red eye in a newborn.
• adult type: acquired by sexual contact. Causes a chronic indolent conjunctivitis resistant to standard topical antibiotics.

Perihepatic adhesions (arrow) seen at laporoscopyh usually associated with pelvic gonorrhoeal or chlamydial infection (Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome).









Lymphogranuloma venereum. Primary lesion presenting as an ulcer on the penis.











Chlamydophila abortus Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Diffuse coalescences between uterus and fallopian tubes (the ovary is hidden behind the coalscences).










Reactive arthritis caused by immunologic reactions to both genital and GI pathogens is an infrequent complication of adult chlamydial infections. It sometimes produces skin and eye lesions and noninfectious recurrent urethritis.





Urethritis in a heterosexual man who presented with dysuria and yellowish discharge. A swab of the discharge showed no growth on culture, but was positive by polymerase chain reaction for Chlamydia trachomatis.

Proctitis is an inflammation of the lining of the rectum (rectal mucosa). Sexually transmitted diseases are the most common cause, but other causes include inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, and non-sexually transmitted infections.






Chlamydia Treatment. I wanna share to you the link I found while researching about this topic. Affordable and effective.

Chlamydia Prictures

These are some of the pictures taken to described the chlamydia in its inner and outer appearance.

This McCoy cell monolayer micrograph reveals a number of intracellular C. trachomatis inclusion bodies; Magnified 200X.

Chlamydia of men and women.

Cervicitis. Chlamydia or Gonorrhea?

Cervicitis may or may not be due to an STD such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, the initial management depends on a woman's risk for STDs. For women at risk, treatment without laboratory confirmation should be undertaken.

Reiter's disease is a complication of untreated chlamydial infection (this patient). The clinical manifestations of Reiter's syndrome include acute arthritis/arthralgia, lower uro-genital tract inflammation, mucocutaneous inflammatory lesions and conjunctivitis. Urethritis is common in Reiter's syndrome. Acute Reiter's syndrome can also be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, malaise, anorexia and weight loss.

Reiter's disease is a complication of untreated chlamydia infection (this patient). The clinical manifestations of Reiter's syndrome include acute arthritis/arthralgia, lower uro-genital tract inflammation, mucocutaneous inflammatory lesions and conjunctivitis. Acute Reiter's syndrome can also be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, malaise, anorexia and weight loss. (Direct chlamydia infection in the eyes causes similar conjunctivitis.)

Medicine vs Chlamydia Symptoms

These are the list of medicines you can take if you experience the following chlamydia symptoms and/or if you found out that you already had this STD or infection.

Doxycycline Hyclate

Doxycycline Hyclate (Vibramycin) is a member of the tetracycline antibiotics group and is commonly used to treat a variety of infections. Doxycycline is a semi-synthetic tetracycline invented and clinically developed in the early 1960s by Pfizer, Inc. and marketed under the brand name Vibramycin. Vibramycin received FDA approval in 1967, becoming Pfizer's first once-a-day broad-spectrum antibiotic. Other brand names include Monodox, Periostat, Vibra-Tabs, Doryx, Vibrox, Adoxa®, Doxyhexal and Atridox (topical doxycycline hyclate for Periodontitis).

As well as the general indications for all members of the tetracycline antibiotics group, Doxycycline is frequently used to treat chronic prostatitis, sinusitis, syphilis, chlamydia, pelvic inflammatory diseases, acne and rosacea. In addition it is used in the treatment and prophylaxis of Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) and in prophylaxis against maltia. It should not be used alone for initial treatment of malaria, even when the parasite is doxycyline-sensitive, because the antimalarial effect of doxycyline is delayed. This delay is related to its mechanism of action. Its mechanism of action against malaria is to specifically impair in the progeny the apicoplast genes resulting in their abnormal cell division.

Tetracycline

Tetracycline (Sumycin) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic produced by the Streptomyces bacterium, indicated for use against many bacterial infections. It is commonly used to treat acne and now used to treat chlamydia and other infections. It is sold under the brand names Sumycin, Terramycin, Tetracyn, and Panmycin, among others. Actisite is a thread-like fiber form, used in dental applications. It is also used to produce several semi-synthetic derivatives, which together are known as the Tetracycline antibiotics group.

Erythromycin

Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic which has an antimicrobial spectrum similar to or slightly wider than that of penicillin, and is often used for people who have an allergy to penicillins. For respiratory tract infections, it has better coverage of atypical organisms, including mycoplasma and Legionellosis. It is also used to treat outbreaks of chlamydia, syphilis, acne, and gonorrhea. Structurally, this macrocyclic compound contains a 14-membered lactone ring with ten asymmetric centers and two sugars (L-cladinose and D-desoamine), making it a compound very difficult to produce via synthetic methods.

Ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). It is used to fight bacteria in the body. Ciprofloxacin is used to treat different types of bacterial infections. It may also be used to prevent or slow anthrax after exposure. You should not use ciprofloxacin if you are taking tizanidine (Zanaflex), if you have a history of myasthenia gravis, or if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or similar antibiotics such as gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.

Ofloxacin

Ofloxacin (Floxin) is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. It belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics which includes levofloxacin (Levaquin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gatifloxacin (Tequin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), trovafloxacin (Trovan) and others. Ofloxacin stops the multiplication of bacteria by inhibiting the reproduction and repair of their genetic material (DNA). The FDA approved ofloxacin in December 1990.

Azithromycin

Azithromycin (Zithromax) is a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic chemically related to erythromycin and clarithromycin (Biaxin). It is effective against a wide variety of bacteria such as Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, mycobacterium avium, and many others. Azithromycin, like all macrolide antibiotics, prevents bacteria from growing by interfering with their ability to make proteins. Due to the differences in the way proteins are made in bacteria and humans, the macrolide antibiotics do not interfere with production of proteins in humans. It is an unusual antibiotic in that it stays in the body for quite a while (has a long half-life), allowing for once a day dosing and for shorter treatment courses for most infections. The FDA approved azithromycin in November 1991.

Chlamydia Symptoms

Before I go to the main topic about Chlamydia Symptoms let me give a bit overview about Chlamydia. The term Chlamydia refers to an infection by any one of the species in the bacterial genus, Chlamydia - Chlamydia trachomatis, Chlamydia suis, Chlamydia muridarum —but of these, only Chlamydia trachomatis is found in humans.

Chlamydia is an asymptomatic disease for 50-70% of the female population. Of those who have an asymptomatic infection that is not detected by their doctor, approximately half will develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a generic term for infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes and/or ovaries. PID can cause scarring inside the reproductive organ, which can later cause serious complications, including chronic pelvicpain, difficulty becoming pregnant, ectopic (tubal) preganancy, and other dangerous complications of pregnancy.

Chlamydia causes 250,000 to 500,000 cases of PID every year in the U.S. Women infected with chlamydia are up to five times more likely to become infected with HIV, if exposed.

Chlamydia is known as the "Silent Epidemic" because in women, it may not cause any symptoms and will linger for months or years before being discovered. Chlamydia Symptoms that may occur include: unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, pain in the abdomen, painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), fever, painful urination or the urge to urinate more frequently than usual.

Symptoms

MALE

• burning sensation during urination
• discharge from the penis
• testicular tenderness or pain
• rectal discharge or pain

FEMALE

• vaginal discharge
• burning sensation during urination
• painful sexual intercourse
• symptoms of PID, salpingitis, perihepatitis (liver inflammation similar to hepatitis)
• rectal pain or discharge

Chlamydia Symptoms - Treatment

C. trachomatis infection can be effectively cured with antibiotics once it is detected. Current Centers for Disease Control guidelines provide for the following treatments:

• Doxycycline Hyclate - 100 milligrams three times daily for 2 weeks.

Doxycycline Hyclate (Vibramycin)  is a member of the tetracycline antibiotics group and is commonly used to treat a variety of infections. Doxycycline is a semi-synthetic tetracycline invented and clinically developed in the early 1960s by Pfizer, Inc. and marketed under the brand name Vibramycin. Vibramycin received FDA approval in 1967, becoming Pfizer's first once-a-day broad-spectrum antibiotic. Other brand names include Monodox, Vibramycin, Periostat, Vibra-Tabs, Doryx, Vibrox, Adoxa®, Doxyhexal and Atridox (topical doxycycline hyclate for Periodontitis).

• Tetracycline - 250 milligram three times daily for 2 weeks.

Tetracycline (Sumycin) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic produced by the Streptomyces bacterium, indicated for use against many bacterial infections. It is commonly used to treat acne and now used to treat chlamydia and other infections. It is sold under the brand names Sumycin, Terramycin, Tetracyn, and Panmycin, among others. Actisite is a thread-like fiber form, used in dental applications. It is also used to produce several semi-synthetic derivatives, which together are known as the Tetracycline antibiotics group.

• Erythromycin - 500 milligram two times daily for 3 to 4 weeks. *Most recommended

Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic which has an antimicrobial spectrum similar to or slightly wider than that of penicillin, and is often used for people who have an allergy to penicillins. For respiratory tract infections, it has better coverage of atypical organisms, including mycoplasma and Legionellosis. It is also used to treat outbreaks of chlamydia, syphilis, acne, and gonorrhea. Structurally, this macrocyclic compound contains a 14-membered lactone ring with ten asymmetric centers and two sugars (L-cladinose and D-desoamine), making it a compound very difficult to produce via synthetic methods.

• Ciprofloxacin - 500 milligrams two times daily for 14 days.

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). It is used to fight bacteria in the body. Ciprofloxacin is used to treat different types of bacterial infections. It may also be used to prevent or slow anthrax after exposure. You should not use ciprofloxacin if you are taking tizanidine (Zanaflex), if you have a history of myasthenia gravis, or if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or similar antibiotics such as gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.

• Ofloxacin - 200 milligram three times daily for 2 weeks.

Ofloxacin (Floxin) is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. It belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics which includes levofloxacin (Levaquin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gatifloxacin (Tequin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), trovafloxacin (Trovan) and others. Ofloxacin (Floxin) stops the multiplication of bacteria by inhibiting the reproduction and repair of their genetic material (DNA). The FDA approved ofloxacin in December 1990.

• Azithromycin - 250 milligram three times daily for 2 weeks.

Azithromycin (Zithromax) is a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic chemically related to erythromycin and clarithromycin (Biaxin). It is effective against a wide variety of bacteria such as Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, mycobacterium avium, and many others. Azithromycin, like all macrolide antibiotics, prevents bacteria from growing by interfering with their ability to make proteins. Due to the differences in the way proteins are made in bacteria and humans, the macrolide antibiotics do not interfere with production of proteins in humans. It is an unusual antibiotic in that it stays in the body for quite a while (has a long half-life), allowing for once a day dosing and for shorter treatment courses for most infections. The FDA approved azithromycin in November 1991.

These were prescribed according to the content of the medicine and for accuracy you need to follow the prescription above. Please note that after the prescription date you need to take 1 tab every day for maintenance for 3 to 6 months and/or until needed.

Chlamydia Symptoms and Infection

If you have chlamydia, chances are that you may exhibit few symptoms. Chlamydia symptoms may be mild and can easily go undetected. Women are more likely to experience few symptoms associated with the infection although chlamydia in men can also result in few or no symptoms. Signs of chlamydia usually appear between 1 and 3 weeks after infection, though sometimes they can take longer to manifest.

Early chlamydia signs and symptoms tend to be mild and include pain during urination, frequent urination, and low fever. Later symptoms can be more intense and include nausea, fatigue, and abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis. Oral chlamydia, usually passed through oral sex, can result in a sore throat and throat infection. In anal infections, swelling of the rectum can occur. Though rare, males suffering from the disease may experience swelling of the testicles. Other symptoms in women include abdominal pain, lower back pain, irregular menstrual bleeding or spotting, and pain during sex.

If you think you may be infected, or are exhibiting any symptoms of chlamydia, get tested. It is important to treat the disease as soon as possible, as prolonged exposure can cause serious damage to the reproductive organs.

Consequences of Infection

If left untreated, chlamydia can move through the body causing serious health problems. As the infection travels, it can cause eye and throat infections as well as rectal infections. Long-term infection can lead to damage in the uterus and fallopian tubes in women and, in rare cases, sterility in men. Chlamydia in women also leads to an increased risk for developing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, which can cause fertility problems.

As many as 500 000 PID cases in the United States are due to chlamydia infection. Of these cases, 100 000 women become infertile. Women with chlamydia are also at a higher risk of developing ectopic pregnancies. Chlamydia in men leads to an increased risk of developing epididymitis, which can result in sterility.

Chlamydia infection is dangerous to newborns. If you are pregnant and infected with chlamydia, get tested, because you can pass the infection to your child. Chlamydia infection also increases the risk of contracting HIV. Women with chlamydia are up to 5 times more likely to contract HIV, the virus that leads to AIDS. In rare cases, chlamydia can cause Reiter’s syndrome, a disease characterized by arthritis, skin lesions, and inflammation of the urethra and eyes.

Overview of Chlamydia trachomatis and the Disease.

The Chlamydia is a Bacterial; from the chlamydia trachomatis strain which lives in vaginal fluid and semen. It can transmit mainly through vaginal and anal sex; although it is much less common, it can also be passed on via oral sex and hand to eye contact.
Antibiotics are used to cure the infection. The most common ones include Doxycycline, Erythromycin, Tetracycline, Zithromycin, Ciproflaxacin and Floxacin. Depending on the type you are prescribed, the course of treatment can last from one to seven days. To ensure proper treatment, make sure you finish all your medication and refrain from having sex until your have finished treatment and tests have shown the infection to be gone. It is important to be treated as soon as possible. While the infection can be cleared up, any damage it may have done prior to treatment cannot be undone.f left untreated, the infection can move further into the body. In women, chlamydia can affect the cervix, fallopian tubes and urine canal and can lead to pelvic inflammtory disease (PID). PID can increase your risk of an ectopic preganancy, infertility and chronic pelvic pain. Men who postpone seeking treatment may find themselves with a case of epididymitis, an inflammation of the epididymus in the testicles, which can lead to sterility. The bacteria can also cause irritation and bleeding in the rectum, cause an infection of the eye and lead to an infection of the throat if chlamydia transmission occurred through oral sex. 

Consequences in Infants
Chlamydia in women during pregnancy can cause bleeding before delivery as well as premature labor. During childbirth, it can lead to the infant being exposed to the bacteria in the birth canal. This can lead to an eye infection that develops within 10 days of birth. Symptoms of the infection include discharge and swollen eyelids; complications of the infection include blindness. It is also possible for the infant to develop chlamydia pneumonia, which develops three to six weeks after birth. Symptoms of chlamydia pneumonia include congestion and a cough that worsens. Chlamydia may also be linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and low birth weight. 

Risk Factors
People who have multiple sex partners, or whose partners have multiple sex partners; who do not use condoms during vaginal, anal or oral sex; have a history of sexually transmitted diseases; and are under the age of 25 are at an increased risk of being infected with chlamydia. Additionally, according to some studies, women who use the birth control pill may have an increased risk of chlamydia. However, their risk of developing PID is lower. 

Prevention
The best way to avoid being infected with chlamydia is to abstain from vaginal, anal and oral sex or to be involved in a long-term, monogamous relationship with someone who has been tested free of any STDs. You can reduce your risk by correctly using latex condoms every time you have sex, although this will not completely eliminate the risk of infection. Additionally, all people, especially women, under the age of 25 should go for yearly chlamydia testing. Pregnant women should also be tested for chlamydia. 

Research
Researchers are currently working on developing a vaccine for chlamydia as well as better diagnostic and treatment measures. There is also some exploration into the possibility of a topical microbicide that is applied to the vagina, which would help prevent transmission of chlamydia.Chlamydia Trachomatis can cause the following conditions:

• Cervicitis
• Conjunctivitis
• Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome
• Lynphogranuloma venereum
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Pneumonia in infants
• Reactive arthritis
• Urethritis
• Rectal infection / proctitis
• Prostatitis