Chlamydia is a bacterium that is responsible for causing common sexually transmitted infection called chlamydia. Chlamydia bacteria include three species of bacteria such as Chlamydia suise, Chlamydia muridam and Chlamydia trachomatis. Initially chlamydophila species (Chlamydophila psittaci and chlamydophila pneumonia) were also included in Chlamydia genus but after 1999 these were moved to the chamydophila genus.

Chlamydia bacteria depend on molecules within the host organism for its reproduction. These bacteria travel between cells in the form of elementary body. This elementary body is basically a small metabolically inactive structure that is like a virus and this enters the host cell and changes to a reticulate body. It then uses the supplies of the host cell and multiples. When enough copies are made the cells are burst open as the reticulate bodies turn into elementary bodies once more and escape so as to infect further people or cells.

Chlamydia trachomatis are the Chlamydia bacteria responsible for causing Chlamydia infection. Around one million fresh cases of Chlamydia are observed in United States every year. The mucus membrane cells are targeted by the bacteria. The areas that are affected by these bacteria include the urethra, vagina, fallopian tubes, cervix, eyes and throat.

The Chlamydia bacteria can be transmitted through contact between secretions of mucus membranes of an infected person. Sexual contact is primarily responsible for transmission of these bacteria and sexual contact includes vaginal, oral and anal sex. If a person’s cervix, vagina, penis, mouth or anus comes in contact with infected fluids or secretions transmission can occur.

Chlamydia bacteria cannot be passed through toilet seats and by shaking of hands. The trachomatis bacteria can also be transmitted by an infected woman who is pregnant to her newborn child. In many cases no symptoms associated with Chlamydia may exist. In other cases some common signs may be observed. These include vaginal and penile discharge.

Chlamydia bacteria in newborn children may result in pneumonia. Other symptoms in men and women include lower abdominal pain along with burning sensation while urinating. Bleeding in between menstrual cycles may also be experienced along with fever and nausea. Men suffering from Chlamydia may experience swelling in testicles. The diagnosis of this condition can be done with nucleic acid amplification tests.

Treatment of Chlamydia infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria includes taking some antibiotics. Antibiotics like doxycycline and azithromycin are prescribed for treatment of this infection. It is advisable for people suffering from this infection to refrain from indulging in sex till the time the treatment is completed and the infection is cleared.

Lack of treatment for Chlamydia infections can result in complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease and cystitis. Among men the complications include epididymitis and prostatitis along with infertility. Using condoms can help in reducing the possibility of transmitting the Chlamydia bacteria. A mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected person can be a way to avoid this infection.