How to test for Chlamydia

Introduction

Chlamydia is a pathogenic bacteria that can affect the urogenital tract, the respiratory tract and the conjunctiva of the eye. They can lead to serious complications, such as sterility. For this reason, early diagnosis and initiation of therapy is particularly important. The special feature of chlamydia is that it only occurs within the cells. This makes diagnosis more difficult, but can be reliably carried out by molecular genetic methods.

These test procedures exist

Various test procedures have been established for the diagnosis of a Chlamydia infection. The gold standard today is the nucleic acid amplification test. However, other methods also allow a diagnosis of the bacterium. These methods are available:

  • The nucleic acid amplification test
  • The urine examination
  • The antibody detection
  • The cultivation of cell cultures
  • The quick test
  • The biopsies for pneumonia

The test procedures for women

In most women, chlamydia infection is asymptomatic. However, infection can lead to serious complications. It can lead to inflammation and consequently to adhesions of the fallopian tubes and ovaries.

This can lead to infertility. For this reason, early diagnosis is essential. For the examination, a cell smear can be taken from the urethra and uterus.

In addition to a cell smear, the secretion from this area can also be used for diagnostic purposes. The cell smear or secretion can now be examined by a nucleic acid amplification test. In this test the DNA of the bacterium is detected and multiplied.

This test allows a reliable statement to be made as to whether an infection is present or not. The material obtained from the cell smear or the secretions can also be used to grow a cell culture. However, this procedure is very complex and takes a long time.

In addition, a urine analysis can be carried out. If an infection is present, the DNA of the bacterium can be detected. Urinalysis is mainly used for screening. In addition to this method, a blood test can also be carried out to detect antibodies. However, this method does not allow a distinction to be made between an acute and a healed infection.

The test procedures for men

Chlamydia tests for men are in principle the same procedures as those used for women. Chlamydia infection can also lead to sterility in a man. However, chlamydia infection in a man is painful, so it is more likely to see a doctor and the diagnosis can be made early.

A urine test is suitable for diagnosis. For this, the patient must hand in morning urine at the laboratory or in the practice. In the laboratory, the urine is examined for components of the bacterium (DNA).

Furthermore, a smear can be taken from the urethra. The cell material can be analysed more precisely by means of a nucleic acid amplification test. This method represents the gold standard for the detection of a Chlamydia infection.

The cell material can also be used to grow a cell culture. However, since cultivation is a lengthy process, it is rarely performed. Furthermore, antibodies against the bacterium can be detected in the blood. In an acute infection they are initially negative and only become positive after a few days.