Characteristics of Chlamydiae
Almen L. Barron in Microbiology of Chlamydia, 2019
This chapter describes the definitive properties of the genus Chlamydia, how its species and biovars are distinguished one from the other, and shows how advances in chlamydial biology and bacterial phylogeny allows construction of a plausible evolutionary history of chlamydiae. It considers ways in which the familiar Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia psittaci and the as yet poorly characterized chlamydia-like inhabitants of invertebrates may all be accommodated within the order Chlamydiales , perhaps by the creation of new families and genera. The orthodox view of the natural host range of Chlamydia is that C. trachomatis , with the exception of the mouse biovar, is a uniquely human pathogen, whereas C. psittaci is a parasite of birds and nonhuman mammals. A casual search of the literature unearthed nine reports of chlamydia-like organisms living intracellularly in invertebrate hosts. The characteristics of a few strains of Chlamydia that cause disease in humans, farm animals, and birds have been reasonably well established.
Anatomy and normal variants, history taking and basic examination
Manu Shah, Ariyaratne de Silva in The Male Genitalia, 2018
This chapter looks at normal anatomy of the male genitalia, normal anatomical variants commonly seen and taking a dermatological and sexual history. It also looks at examination of the male genitalia, tests performed in the dermatology clinic and basic screening tests performed in the setting of the genito-urinary medicine clinic. The anatomy of the male genitalia varies greatly between individuals and it is important for doctors to recognise this, especially when reassuring anxious patients. When taking a sexual history it is important to remember that sexually transmitted infections are increasing rapidly in most countries in the world and common, important infections like chlamydia may remain asymptomatic. The genitals should be examined in a systematic fashion. Tattoos and piercings are relatively common and may be associated with disease, such as an increased risk of infective hepatitis and other infections. The majority of patients presenting to the dermatology clinic with a genital problem do not have a sexually transmitted infection.
An overview of infertility
Ruth Chambers in Fertility Problems, 2018
The increased numbers of people presenting for help with infertility may have given a false impression that infertility is becoming common, when there has probably been little change in prevalence over recent years. Genital tract infection with Chlamydia trachomatis is a major risk factor for subsequent tubal infertility. The licensed fertility treatments are invasive and it is all too easy for couples longing for a baby to want to rush for the ultimate assisted conception technology than wait a little longer for spontaneous conception to occur or try simpler treatments first. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority was set up to regulate and license infertility treatment in accordance with the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act in 1990, following the recommendations of the Warnock report in 1984. The legal requirement to consider the welfare of the prospective child applies to all licensed fertility treatments and all unlicensed treatments at licensed fertility centres, and is good practice for all fertility treatment.
Rates of Asymptomatic Nonurethral Gonorrhea and Chlamydia in a Population of University Men Who Have Sex With Men
Published in Journal of American College Health, 2012
Laura Pinsky, Daniel Chiarilli, Jeffrey Klausner, Ryan Kull, Richard O’Keefe, Calley Heffer, Samuel Seward
Objectives: The study determined prevalence of asymptomatic nonurethral gonorrhea and chlamydia in men who have sex with men (MSM) seen at the Columbia University Health Service for routine care. Participants: The study enrolled 200 participants from March 2007 to May 2010. Results: Specimens were tested using culture and nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT): 3.5% (n = 7) tested positive for pharyngeal gonorrhea by NAAT, none were positive by culture; 3% (n = 6) tested positive for rectal chlamydia by NAAT and 0.5% (n = 1) by culture. Conclusions: The incidence of pharyngeal gonorrhea and rectal chlamydia in MSM who visited the Columbia Health Service was similar to rates of asymptomatic nonurethral gonorrhea and chlamydia in studies conducted in the MSM population in non-university settings. This suggests that, following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, 1 3-site testing for MSM seen at the Columbia clinic is indicated. NAAT is more sensitive than culture for nonurethral gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Exploring chlamydia positivity among females on college campuses, 2008–2010
Published in Journal of American College Health, 2016
Melissa A. Habel, Jami S. Leichliter, Elizabeth Torrone
Objective: Describe chlamydia positivity among young women tested at college health centers by student characteristics: age, race/ethnicity, and institution type. Participants: During 2008–2010, colleges participating in a national infertility prevention program provided chlamydia testing data from females aged 18–24. Methods: Chlamydia positivity (number of positive tests divided by the number tested) among females stratified by college type (4-year versus 2-year and minority serving institutes [MSIs]) was determined. Results: Chlamydia testing data were provided by 148 colleges: 37 (26%) MSIs and 21 (15%) 2-year colleges. Of the 118,946 chlamydia tests, 6.5% were positive. Chlamydia positivity in females at 4-year colleges was 6.6% versus 5.3% at 2-year colleges (p = .0001). Positivity at MSIs was almost double of that at non-MSIs, 10.0% versus 5.4% (p = .0001). Conclusions: Chlamydia positivity may be higher among college females than previously thought. Higher positivity at MSIs suggests that targeted sexually transmitted infection prevention efforts may be useful for high-risk college populations.
Man Up Monday: An integrated public health approach to increase sexually transmitted infection awareness and testing among male students at a midwest university
Published in Journal of American College Health, 2016
Elizabeth A. Anderson, Heather P. Eastman-Mueller, Scott Henderson, Susan Even
Objective: This campaign sought to (a) increase awareness of sexual health and chlamydia testing; (b) motivate students, particularly sexually active men who do not pursue regular sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, to get tested; and (c) improve the capacity of the student health center to provide free chlamydia testing and treatment for all students. Participants: Students enrolled at a 4-year public research university (N = 333). Methods: Collaborative partnerships formed the foundation of a campus marketing and testing campaign, with treatment for students testing positive for chlamydia. Results: A total of 333 students were tested over 5 consecutive Mondays, showing a chlamydia incidence of 9.6%. The incidence for females and males were 8.6% and 10.8%, respectively. Conclusions: The campaign was effective in reaching men, an at-risk population not traditionally emphasized in STI testing.
Related Knowledge Centers
- Chlamydia Trachomatis
- Chlamydiaceae
- Chlamydiales
- Chlamydophila
- Genitalia
- Sexually Transmitted Disease
- Eye Disease