Serological testing for Chlamydia trachomatis is used in the laboratory to diagnose all infections caused by these specific microorganisms.
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Members of the family Chlamydiaceae are tiny, non-motile, Gram-negative, obligate intracellular organisms that grow in the cytoplasm of host cells. Two genera of chlamydia are of clinical importance to humans: the genus Chlamydia, which includes the species Chlamydia trachomatis, and the genus Chlamydophila, which consists of the species Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Chlamydophila psittaci. These organisms share many characteristics with microbes and are susceptible to antibiotic treatment, resembling viruses in that they require living cells for their multiplication.
The life cycle of chlamydia can be divided into two distinct phases: an extracellular phase, during which they do not multiply and are infectious, and an obligate intracellular phase, during which they multiply and are non-infectious. The infectious form, or elementary particle, attaches to the cell membrane and enters the cell through a phagosome. After entering the cells, the elementary particle reorganizes into reticulate bodies (forming inclusions) and begins to multiply. After 18 to 24 hours, the reticulate bodies condense to form elementary particles. These new elementary bodies are released, starting a new cycle of infection.
Chlamydia trachomatis is a pathogenic microorganism that affects humans only. It causes the following diseases:
Trachoma: It is a follicular keratoconjunctivitis. The disease occurs in all climate zones, although it is more common in warmer and less developed countries. It is estimated that 400 million people suffer from chronic infection (are carriers) and that it has caused blindness in 6 million. The microorganism is transmitted by direct contact and indirectly through everyday objects. If left untreated, the initially acute inflammation can turn into a chronic one, lasting months or even years, leading to a scar on the cornea, which can cause blindness.
Inclusion conjunctivitis: This is an acute, purulent conjunctivitis that can affect newborns, children, and adults (swimming pool conjunctivitis). Newborns are infected at birth by pathogens present in the cervix. If left untreated, it can progress to trachoma, causing scarring of the cornea.
Urogenital tract infections: Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for 30-60% of nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) cases in men. The organisms are transmitted through sexual contact. 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.
Lymphogranuloma venereum: This venereal disease is often found in warm climatic zones. Initially, a herpetic lesion is created at the site of the invasion of microorganisms in the genital area, which then turns into an ulcer with accompanying lymphadenitis.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most critical parameter for diagnosing and monitoring all pathological conditions. Between 70 to 80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correctly interpreting 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 analyzed based on each case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your 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 contact your doctor to ensure you receive the best possible medical care.
