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Chlamydia Essay

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Chlamydia trachomatis is the most widespread and infamous bacterial infection affecting the genital tract. Not only is it quite common in developed countries but an increase in cases has sprung up in developing countries as well. In the United States, there is a 4 million per year case rate of chlamydia which costs the US approximately $2 billion dollars in consequences and treatments. Persons who suffer from chlamydia in underdeveloped countries and have no means of seeking treatment may become blind because chlamydia has the potential of causing trachoma. It is becoming a global interest to control and restrain this budding disease. In order to do so it is essential to recognize the symptoms of chlamydia, diagnose the victim, and …show more content…

In the attempt to avoid complications and further accuracy of diagnosis, more modern tests have been created. The Roche Amplicor PCR, polymerase chain reaction, was the first diagnostic test using nucleic acid amplification. This type of test “involves rapid thermal cycling in a specially programmed thermal cycler.” Test samples usually consist of urethral swabs for both men and women and cervical swabs for women. The second nucleic acid amplification test was the Abbott LCx test. Instead of PCR, Abbot LCx uses LCR, ligase chain reaction, to test for diagnosis. Results from this particular test may contain a more accurate realization for the chlamydial bacteria because it is species specific. Both nucleic acid tests concentrate on finding certain mutations in the target DNA.
Diagnosing chlamydia trachomatis is more difficult and delicate then the process of prescribing a specific, beneficial treatment. The most common, recent, and effective treatment is the use of amoxicillin or, if allergic to penicillins, penicillamine in antibiotic therapy. Amoxicillin is the initial suggestion for treatment. The use this antibiotic could cause a great deal of side effects such as fever, short-term memory loss, fatigue, muscle aches, and joint pain. Females who are pregnant must keep in mind that most antibiotics cannot be used during their time of pregnancy. The use of penicillamine comes about if a patient is allergic to penicillins. Penicillamine

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