Serum Chlamydia serological screening is used for the laboratory diagnosis of all infections by these microorganisms.
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Members of the Chlamydiaceae family are small, non-motile, Gram-negative, obligate intracellular organisms that grow in the host cell cytoplasm. Two genera of chlamydia are of clinical importance for humans, the genus Chlamydia which includes the species Chlamydia trachomatis, and the genus Chlamydophila which includes the species Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Chlamydophila psittaci. These organisms have many features in common with germs and are susceptible to antibiotic treatment and resemble viruses, requiring living cells to proliferate.
The life cycle of chlamydia can be divided into two distinct phases: an extracellular phase, in which they do not proliferate and are infectious, and a mandatory intracellular phase, during which they multiply and are non-infectious. The infectious form, or elementary particle, adheres to the cell membrane and enters the cell through a phagosome. Upon entry into the cells, the elemental particle is reorganized into lattice particles (forming inclusions) and their proliferation begins. After 18 to 24 hours, the reticulates are concentrated to form the reticulates. These new elemental particles are released, starting a new cycle of infection.
Chlamydia trachomatis are pathogenic microorganisms that affect humans exclusively. They cause the following diseases:
Trachoma: It is a follicular corneal conjunctivitis. The disease occurs in all climates, although it is more common in warmer and less developed countries. It is estimated that 400 million people are suffering from chronic infection (they are carriers) and that it has caused blindness in 6 million. The micro-organism is transmitted directly and indirectly through everyday objects. If left untreated, the initial acute inflammation can last for years, lasting months or even years, leading to scarring of the cornea and which can then lead to blindness.
Inclusion conjunctivitis: It is an acute, purulent conjunctivitis that can affect newborns, children and adults (pool conjunctivitis). Newborns are infected at birth by the pathogenic microorganisms present in the cervix. If left untreated, it can progress as a trauma does, producing scarring in the cornea.
Urogenital Infections: Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for 30-60% of non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) cases in men. Microorganisms are transmitted by sexual intercourse. Possible complications of the disease in men include prostatitis and epididymitis. In women Chlamydia trachomatis can cause cervicitis, urethritis, proctitis, endometritis, salpingitis etc. Massive perinatal infection of the newborn can lead to interstitial Chlamydial pneumonia.
Venereal lymphococcosis: This venereal disease is often found in warm climatic zones. Initially, a herpetic lesion develops at the point of invasion of the microorganisms in the genital area, which then becomes ulcerated with concomitant lymphadenitis.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
