PLEASE NOTE! All articles here in this site are informative for common knowledge. Please study different sources for information and visit a local doctor.

CAUSES OF CHLAMYDIA

The main cause of Chlamydia lies in the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It encompasses three unique serotypes (serovars) – that is, distinct varieties found within a group of microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses:
– serovars Ab, B, Ba or C, which are known to cause a specific kind of conjunctivitis, known as trachoma
– serovars D – K, which cause urethritis, PID, pneumonia and conjunctivitis among newborns
– serovars L1, L2 and L3, which are the primary causes of Lymphogranuloma venerum (LGV)
The presence of the Chlamydia bacteria is detected with the use of several tests, which predominantly seek for its DNA structure in the testing sample or its antigens, which actually prompt the human immune system to combat the infection.
Chlamydia trachomatis is situated exclusively in the human body and is transmitted via bodily fluids, such as semen or vaginal secretion. Manners of Chlamydia transmission are unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sexual intercourse, as well as pregnancy and child birth (if the mother is infected).
Besides the immediate factor, that is, the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, causes of Chlamydia transmission lie in human behavior.
Promiscuous sexual behavior is likely to heighten the risk of contracting multiple sexually transmitted diseases, including Chlamydia. Frequent change of partners without previous acquaintance with their history of sexually transmitted diseases puts one in grave danger.
In newborns, the main cause of Chlamydia transmission is the infection of the mother. The child may become infected in approximately 50 % of the cases with pneumonia or conjunctivitis, due to the fact that the mother has neglected treatment or has been unaware of having contracted the disease.
Not using contraceptives, such as latex or polyurethane condoms and diaphragms exposes individuals to bodily fluids and significantly increases the risk of transmission or unwanted pregnancy.
Another cause of Chlamydia lies in the fact that an individual may be infected, but has exhibited no symptoms. Unknowingly, the infected individual may spread the disease as long as the bacteria is present in the organism. Accordingly, with no symptoms to be concerned about, he/she will not undergo testing for Chlamydia, which is the only reliable indicator of the presence of the disease.
Regardless of the cause, nowadays Chlamydia is treated successfully with antibiotics, usually a single or a weekly dose. However, prolonged infection may bring about severe damage on one’s health, which is why Chlamydia prevention and awareness of its causes is of the utmost importance.