Chlamydia Research Paper

Words: 639
Pages: 3

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases and affects both men and women. Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which is one of the four bacterial species in the genus Chlamydia. Chlamydia trachomatis is rod-shaped, obligate, gram negative, has no spores, and dimorphic- meaning it has a two phase life cycle. The first life cycle is called an elementary body. Elementary bodies are analogous to a spore and are very small and able to survive in extremely caustic environments. Both of these qualities make them extremely dangerous, and enable them to easily enter a host cell. The second phase of its life cycle is called a reticulate body. The reticulate body, unlike the elementary body, is very large and is used for regulating metabolic activity and binary fission. Chlamydia cells are unable make their own ATP or energy, therefore they reply completely on their host cell for energy. When the disease is spread to a new host they are in the form of elementary bodies. Our immune system recognizes this bacteria as a foreign substance, and immediately engulfs the bacteria using the process …show more content…
The two main ways to reduce the chances of getting Chlamydia are using condoms correctly, or maintaining a long-term monotonous relationship with a negatively tested partner. The most common form of diagnosis would be a lab test with either a urine sample or cotton swab sample. Fortunately, there is a treatment process if one is diagnosed with Chlamydia. With the correct treatment, Chlamydia can easily be cured with antibiotics. These antibiotics stop the bacteria from infecting more cells, and decrease foreshadowing complications. Once infected with Chlamydia, it is common to get it again, so one should be tested again after three months. After being treated, it is recommended to refrain from any sexual intercourse for at least seven