Chlamydia (genus)
Chlamydia (genus)
Chlamydia (/kləˈmidiə/; from the Greek, chlamys, meaning "cloak") is a genus of pathogenic bacteria that are obligate intracellular parasites. Chlamydia infections are the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections in humans and are the leading cause of infectious blindness worldwide.
Etymology
The name Chlamydia comes from the Greek word chlamys (χλαμύς), meaning "cloak". This is in reference to the way these bacteria live inside the cells of their hosts, hidden away like a cloak.
Species
There are three species in the Chlamydia genus:
- Chlamydia trachomatis, which causes chlamydia, trachoma, lymphogranuloma venereum, and nongonococcal urethritis in humans.
- Chlamydia pneumoniae, which causes pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, and possibly atherosclerosis in humans.
- Chlamydia psittaci, which causes psittacosis in birds and humans.
Pathogenesis
Chlamydia species are Gram-negative bacteria, and like all Gram-negative bacteria, they have an outer membrane rich in lipopolysaccharides. They are obligate intracellular parasites, meaning they cannot reproduce outside of a host cell. The lifecycle of Chlamydia is complex and involves two distinct stages: the infectious elementary body and the replicative reticulate body.
Treatment
Chlamydia infections can be effectively treated with antibiotics, including azithromycin, doxycycline, and erythromycin. However, many infected individuals are asymptomatic and do not seek treatment, leading to the potential for complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease in women and epididymitis in men.
Prevention
Prevention strategies for Chlamydia infections include regular screening of at-risk populations, condom use, and prompt treatment of infected individuals to prevent further transmission.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chlamydia (genus)
- Wikipedia's article - Chlamydia (genus)
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