Chlamydia Testing

Chlamydia is an intracellular prokaryotic parasite, because it can not synthesize ATP. Therefore, it multiplies only in living eukaryotic cells. Chlamydia have similar cell membrane wall as negative Gram cells, and are imobile. They differ however from all microorganisms through their growth cycle, which is assured by two distinct forms:

- Elementary corpuscles (EC), adapted extracellular existence;

- Reticulated corpuscles (RC), adapted to the intracellular environment (Intracytoplasmic).

Elementary corpuscles are very infectious. After attaching the cell, they cross the cell wall via phagocytic vesicle and remain there throughout the life cycle. Shortly after the breakthrough the cell is transformed into CR, which has a higher waist, can not infect other cells and begins to divide ("intracytoplasmic inclusions ").

Recent classifications divide chlamydia in 4 families, of which the most important in human pathology is Chlamydiaceae, which contains two types:

- chlamydia - the most important representative of the C. trachomatis;

- Chlamydophila - C. pneumoniae, C. psittaci, C. pecorum, C. abortus etc.

Chlamydia trachomatis

It is found almost exclusively in humans. It causes up to 50% of nongonococcal urethritis. 15 serovars are known, all involved in human pathology:

1. serovars A, B, Ba, C: determine acute conjunctivitis (with the possible chronic: trachoma);

2. serovars D - K can cause:

- acute urethritis (with the possibility and occurrence of chronic prostatitis, epididymitis, proctitis, Reiter syndrome, infertility);

- In women, acute urethral syndrome, Bartolini, cervicitis, endometritis, salpingitis (with subsequent occurrence of pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, infertility), periapendicitis, ( Hugh-Curtis);

3. serovars L1, L2, L3

Chlamydia trachomatis can be transmitted to the newborn during birth, causing neonatal pneumonia. Infection with C. trachomatis is associated with increased rates of HIV transmission.

Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacterium transmitted by sexual contact, which infects the urethra in men and women above the cervical canal and reproductive organs, rectum, eyelids and ocular surface. This bacterium can be easily transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy, and this has a greater incidence of both symptoms of the disease and is more difficult to detect. Many patients can live for months and even years without recognizing that they are carriers of this bacterium. Statistical studies show that 80% of women do not realize they were exposed to the bacteria.

Currently there are several types of tests that can detect the presence of bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis in organism.

TAAN test (nucleic acid amplification test) - this test is able to detect the presence of genetic material of bacteria chlamydia trachomatis in the blood. This test is part of the most accurate test results. One of the tests is TAAN polymer chain reaction test, and can be performed on a urine sample.

Test for gene amplification (NAH) - this test tests the existence of the genetic material of bacteria chlamydia trachomatis in the body, and although it is precise , the degree of sensitivity is lower than of TAAN test.

ELISA (short coming of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) - immunoassay reaction. This test has the ability to develop antibodies highlight against a bacterial or viral agent (in this case, highlighting the bacterium Chlamydia trachoma-specific antibodies). In the same category come and IFA test.

Test DFA (direct fluorescent antibody assay) - immunofluorescence reaction. This test, like ELISA, is performed to detect antibodies against the bacteria chlamydia organism developed by trachoma.

Culture of Chlamydia trachoma - This test is more expensive than others and the results take longer to be available. Chlamydia trachoma crops are grown only in the laboratory, and this test is used when sexual abuse for children is suspected, or when the body does not respond to treatment for this infection.

In general tests for chlamydia trachoma bacteria in the body are made to determine the degree of risk in terms of infection with this bacterium in women over 24 years. This test is performed in the first and third trimester of pregnancy in women whose sexual behavior presents risk of contamination with chlamydia trachoma major (treating infection with this bacterium to prevent its transmission during pregnancy and fetus). In addition, the test is recommended to women suffering from pelvic inflammatory disease and cervical inflammation, and cervicitis.

So as Chlamydia test results to be as accurate it is recommended that 48 hours prior to offering samples not to shower, not to use tampons nor apply vaginal treatment. Also, your bladder must not be filled, both for personal comfort, and to streamline the development test.

How to test?

In men:

The sample will be collected from the urethra or rectum, and for this the doctor will insert a buffer in one of these areas. Chances are that the sample collected from the urethra to reveal the presence of the bacterium Chlamydia trachoma if last urination occurred at least 2 hours before sample collection.

In women:

For this test you need to sit down with feet elevated on a table to give the doctor the opportunity to examine the genitals and the vagina. Using a spatula, the doctor will remove cells from the cervix.

If you use urine test it is necessary that last urination to be held with at least 2 hours before collecting the sample for analysis.

During sampling some people may feel a slight sensation of discomfort, even as the uterus is more sensitive, irritated, or tight.

Risks

Within 24 hours after testing an easy bleeding may occur, or a yellow-green drainage. Also you should not have sex until your doctor will confirm that this can be done safely.

Test results can be influenced by failure to follow steps for sampling, or administering a treatment based on antibiotics. Therefore you should inform the doctor about any treatment that you follow.

Recommended areas for collection are:

1. conjunctiva - if suspected trachoma;

2. anterior urethra in men:

- Enter the urethra 2-4 cm and rotate a swab;

- Urine first jet - which is the first 10-30 ml urine collected at least 2 hours after the last urination. 3. cervix in women - in the endocervical canal because C.trachomatis has tropism for cells of transitional zone. C. trachomatis infects also the female urethra

4. other areas: rectal mucosa.