Chlamydia Trachomatis Research Paper

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Introduction: What is Chlamydia trachomatis?
Chlamydia trachomatis is currently the most common causative agent of sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria(1), affecting 3-5% of sexually active women in the UK and up to 14% of those aged under 20 years(2). Since the obligate intracellular bacteria(3) can cause long-term morbidity, and can lead to chronic pain, infertility, and increased susceptibility to HIV, it is considered a serious public health issue in the UK(2). The following will provide an overview of possible causes, associated illness and disorders, and treatment.
Biological Considerations:
Chlamydia, as obligate intracellular parasites, are completely dependent on their host for energy (cannot synthesize their own ATP)(4). …show more content…
This leads to a large reservoir of infections that go unrecognized and untreated(9).
The few women (<20%) who express symptoms have clinical manifestations associated with the primary infection sites of Chlamydia trachomatis(10): the cervix or urethra (but may spread to involve the tubes, ovaries, and pelvis)(8). Females may complain of increased vaginal discharge, mucopurulent discharge from the cervix, dysuria, intermenstrual bleeding (if the infection has spread beyond the cervix), and/or lower abdominal pain; on examination, there may also be mucopurulent cervicitis and/or contact bleeding(10).
Associated Disorders, Illnesses, Infections:
There are a number of disorders and illnesses associated with the spread of Chlamydia trachomatis beyond the lower genital tract, including, salpingitis, and endometriosis(2). The tubal damage caused by inflammation may predispose to tubal pregnancies and infertility(2). Aside from these conditions, the organism is also involved in the majority of pelvic inflammatory disorders and can increase the risk of acquiring HIV three to …show more content…
The bacteria acts as a primary pathogen involved in damaging the protective mechanisms of the endocervix, allowing endogenous bacteria – secondary invaders – access from the vagina and cervix to the upper genital tract(11). Symptoms may include lower abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, painful urination, high fever, and/or nausea; often, however, the disorder is symptomless in spite of causing grave silent tubal damage(5). Investigations that may be suitable for Fiona to test for PID include white blood cell count, C reactive protein, blood cultures, full STI screening, a pelvic exam, and an ultrasound
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