What is the scientific name of the bacterium that causes chlamydia?
The bacterium causing chlamydia is named Chlamydia trachomatis. Taxonomists placed it in its own genus due to unique life cycle characteristics.
Questions about Chlamydia
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How many new cases of chlamydia occurred worldwide during 2015?
Sixty-one million new cases occurred worldwide during the year 2015 alone. Infections affect approximately 4.2% of women and 2.7% of men globally.
When did nucleic acid amplification tests replace culture methods as the primary diagnostic tool for chlamydia?
Nucleic acid amplification tests replaced culture methods as the primary diagnostic tool by 2006. Polymerase chain reaction techniques now detect approximately 90% of all infections.
Which antibiotics serve as standard first-line treatments for chlamydia infection?
Azithromycin and doxycycline serve as standard first-line treatments globally. Erythromycin or azithromycin are recommended specifically for infants and pregnant women.
What percentage of women with chlamydia show no symptoms at diagnosis?
Approximately 70% of women with this infection show no symptoms at diagnosis. Many infections linger undetected for months or even years.