Chlamydia: Information on the Silent Epidemic

Chlamydia is one the most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).Caused by the bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium, the infection is quite hazardous if not treated within the appropriate duration. In Chlamydia, the urethra and rectum gets infected in both sexes. In women, the cervix also gets infected. In few cases, the infection may also affect some other parts of the body such as lungs, liver, throat and eyes.

Recently, a survey showed thataround 10 to 20 percent of sexually active female teens get and transfer Chlamydia infections; and in around 75 percent cases, the infection remains clinically imperceptible.

According to a study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention in Atlanta, it has been recorded that Chlamydia has sickened 1.2 million of Americans. Similar records have been given by the Centre for disease control and prevention (CDC). Moreover, Mayo clinic reports suggest that it affects around 4 million people every year.

Chlamydia can get easily spread on having unprotected sex, from a mother to her baby during vaginal childbirth and by carrying the infection on fingers from the genitals to the eyes, however, this is very occasional.

Symptoms of Chlamydia

Symptoms of Chlamydia

Initial symptoms of Chlamydia are quite meek and gentle this is why it is often termed as silent STD also. However, if in case, a person gets infected by the bacteria, then the symptoms appear after two or three weeks of exposure. 

Diagnosis and Tests of Chlamydia

Diagnosis and tests of Chlamydia

Nowadays, it has become quite easy to diagnose Chlamydia.  Among women, a pelvic exam is conducted or urethral swabs are tested for detecting Chlamydia and gonorrhea, whereas in men, urethral swab is diagnosed. 

Treatments for Chlamydia

Treatment of chlamydia

Typically, the most effective treatment available for curing Chlamydia, comes the bouquet of antibiotics. Prescribed intake of a single dose of azithromycin (Zithromax®) or a week of doxycycline are the most popular medications used to treat Chlamydia.

Summary