Symptoms Of Chlamydia example essay topic

Chlamydia trachoma tis is the most widespread and infamous bacterial infection affecting the genital tract. Not only is it quite common in developed countries but an increase in cases has sprung up in developing countries as well. In the United States, there is a 4 million per year case rate of chlamydia which costs the US approximately $2 billion dollars in consequences and treatments. Persons who suffer from chlamydia in underdeveloped countries and have no means of seeking treatment may become blind because chlamydia has the potential of causing trachoma. It is becoming a global interest to control and restrain this budding disease. In order to do so it is essential to recognize the symptoms of chlamydia, diagnose the victim, and provide treatment immediately.

Observing symptoms of chlamydia is often a difficult process considering that 75% of females and 50% of males are asymptomatic; for those who are infected and do show symptoms, there are obvious signs directly connected to the chlamydia bacterium. In infected females, purulent discharge and a burning sensation while urinating are common indicators. The irregular discharge can be mistaken for normal vaginal discharge making this indicator slightly less conspicuous. These signs are caused by the bacterium's concentration on the cervix and urethra and is classified as an acute endo cervical infection. Other signs in the female are spotting between menstrual periods, fever, and severe back and abdominal pain. In males, burning sensation and discharge from the penis also occur.

In addition, pain around the opening of the penis as well as soreness of the testicles can be observed. These symptoms occur from. The contraction of chlamydia through anal penetration can lead to rectal discharge, bleeding, and pain. If symptoms appear the next stage is to verify that the symptoms are directly related to the chlamydia bacterium.

There are a number of methods in the process of diagnosing a potential case of the chlamydia trachoma tis bacteria. Classic methods of diagnosis have been centered on cell culture; the "culture era" began in the 1970's and proceeded into the late 1980's. Cell culture "was the inoculation of clinical material into animals, hens eggs or tissue culture cells and the demonstration of characteristic chlamydia l inclusions". Minor complications concerning cell culture arose: a significant amount of variables could affect the process and the costly charge of the assessment. In the attempt to avoid complications and further accuracy of diagnosis, more modern tests have been created. The Roche Ampli cor PCR, polymerase chain reaction, was the first diagnostic test using nucleic acid amplification.

This type of test "involves rapid thermal cycling in a specially programmed thermal cycler". Test samples usually consist of urethral swabs for both men and women and cervical swabs for women. The second nucleic acid amplification test was the Abbott LCx test. Instead of PCR, Abbot LCx uses LCR, li gase chain reaction, to test for diagnosis.

Results from this particular test may contain a more accurate realization for the chlamydia l bacteria because it is species specific. Both nucleic acid tests concentrate on finding certain mutations in the target DNA. Diagnosing chlamydia trachoma tis is more difficult and delicate then the process of prescribing a specific, beneficial treatment. The most common, recent, and effective treatment is the use of amoxicillin or, if allergic to penicillin's, in antibiotic therapy. Amoxicillin is the initial suggestion for treatment. The use this antibiotic could cause a great deal of side effects such as fever, short-term memory loss, fatigue, muscle aches, and joint pain.

Females who are pregnant must keep in mind that most antibiotics cannot be used during their time of pregnancy. The use of comes about if a patient is allergic to penicillin's. Penicillamine assists the body in extracting heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, from the system, which reduces secretion of the kidneys. Once a patient is well adjusted to the antibiotics, other antimicrobial agents are progressively added.

The intake of these antibiotics must persist for at least six months to maintain control of the chlamydia bacteria and prevent an imitation of the disease. While medicated with antibiotics, a patient must sustain a healthy balance of nutrients to avoid further infections. Omitting smoking, consumption of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, and food containing excess amounts of fat is crucial. The intake of essential vitamins is also a large part of maintaining good health during antibiotic treatment.

Suggested vitamins are vitamin B, beta-carotene, folic acid, and. It is proven beneficial to consume natural products during treatment as well, such as herbal teas, ginseng root, and olive leaf extract. This helps to improve the strength of the immune system and prevents reoccurring infections. A recent study conducted by the Department of Clinical Science / Obstetrics and Gynecology in Ume'a, Sweden addressed the issue of infertility of couples and the connection to chlamydia trachoma tis. Two hundred and forty-four couples that sought help at infertility clinics were tested for chlamydia through IgG antibodies and the PCR process.

The study concluded that IgG antibodies in males were associated with lower pregnancy rates and a higher IgG antibodies count in the woman. There is a higher occurrence of IgG antibodies in the infertile couples than in fertile couples. After some treatment, the odds ratio of not successfully completing pregnancy with the male being chlamydia trachoma tis positive is 2.6. In those couples that were not treated, the odds ratio is much higher at about 3.9. The study deems it "cost-beneficial" to screen infertile couples by means of the PCR tests because it is been deemed "cost-effective" in places where the chlamydia bacteria was very common. The chlamydia trachoma tis disease is on the rise so further studies and research is quite necessary to maintain a tight grip on this epidemic.

Innovative diagnosis will assist persons infected with chlamydia to identify the disease in early stages to help reduce further complications and cost concerns. Advancement in treatments will evidently be beneficial for those with acute and chronic stages of chlamydia which will also reduce costs as well as grief to those infected.