Chlamydia

Introduction. 

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common STD in the US. In most women, infection is asymptomatic, but may include pus-filled discharge and urethritis.  Complications include ascending infections of the genital tract. Males are generally symptomatic, with urethritis the most common symptom. C. trachomatis is the leading cause of non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU). 

Summary

• Cause: Chlamydia trachomatis (d - K serotypes)
• Microscopy: Gram-negative intracellular bacilli; elementary body; reticulate body
• Transmission: STD
• Symptoms: Urethritis, pus-filled genital discharge
• Complications: cervical/uterine/pelvic inflammation
• Pathogenesis: Intracellular growth in nonciliated epithelia; severe inflammation
• Treatment: Doxycycline 7 days

Links:

• http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/chlamydia_pictures.htm
• http://www.newcastle.edu.au/school/biomedical-science/research/chlamydia-files/chlamydia1.jpg