In the sexually active population, infections with the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium are relatively common; up to ten percent of the total population is infected. Approximately 80,000 cases of infertility in Germany alone are attributable to the extremely mutable bacteria. In addition, the Chlamydia pneumoniae species has been discussed as a hot candidate for the infectious trigger of angina pectoris and myocardial infarction.
Chlamydia bacteria: tiny organisms.
Chlamydia bacteria are among the smallest organisms described on Earth. Their genetic material is so limited that these bacteria depend on the metabolism of host cells for survival. For this reason, chlamydia cannot be grown on artificial culture media, as is the case with most other bacteria; this fact complicates the diagnosis of chlamydial infections.
Origin of chlamydial infections
During sexual intercourse, chlamydia enter the human organism through the mucous membranes of the genital tract. They multiply in the host cells, making them difficult for the immune system, as well as for antibiotics, to reach.
In the infectious phase, however, these bacteria can be fought very successfully. After one or two days, mild symptoms such as urinary tract infections may occur. However, chlamydia infections proceed entirely without symptoms or nonspecific mild complaints in about 75 percent of infected women and in about 50 percent of all infected men.
Consequences of a chlamydia infection
An undetected and therefore untreated Chlamyda infection can lead to severe abdominal disease in young women. There is a risk of infertility due to adhesion of the fallopian tubes. So-called ectopic pregnancies may result; in this case, the fertilized egg nests outside the uterus, for example, in the fallopian tube or in the abdominal cavity.
Chlamydia infection in pregnant women
Pregnant women who have a Chlamydia infection are more likely to have miscarriages or experience premature rupture of the amniotic sac. In premature rupture of the amniotic sac, there is a risk that the unborn baby will become infected with the Chlamydia bacteria while still in the womb. However, infections of the eyes of the unborn child can also occur during the birth process if the child comes into contact with the infected mucous membranes of the mother. In rare cases, pneumonia of the newborn can occur.
Diagnosis and treatment of chlamydial infections.
Nowadays, modern molecular biology methods are used to detect the genetic material of the pathogen in smears taken from the urethra, cervix, or urine. These methods are very fast and extremely sensitive. For therapy, antibiotics from the tetracycline class are usually administered over a period of one week to ten days. In pregnant women, however, erythromycin is used because tetracyclines can harm the unborn child and are therefore not approved for therapy during pregnancy.
However, it is crucial that both/all sexual partners are examined and treated at the same time in order to be able to exclude mutual reinfections – the so-called ping-pong effect. The antibiotic treatments are very efficient; therefore, consequential damages can usually be excluded.
Protection against chlamydia
If you change sexual partners frequently – practice safe sex and use condoms. Of course, condoms also protect you from the far more dangerous HIV infections and other STDs. If in doubt, please see your doctor. Please remember that your partner must also be examined and, if necessary, treated!
