Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It often causes no symptoms but can damage reproductive tissues if untreated.

Chlamydia trachomatis: A bacterium that infects human cells and causes chlamydia and several other diseases. This species causes the genital, rectal, and throat infection.
Nucleic acid amplification test: A laboratory test that detects and amplifies specific genetic material from a pathogen. This is the preferred testing method for most chlamydia infections.
Pelvic inflammatory disease: An infection of the upper female reproductive tract, often caused by sexually transmitted bacteria. Ascending chlamydia can cause this condition and scar reproductive tissues.
Gonorrhea: A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It often causes similar symptoms and is commonly tested for alongside chlamydia.
Sexually transmitted infection: An infection transmitted primarily through sexual contact. Chlamydia belongs to this group, though it can also pass to infants during birth.
Obligate intracellular parasite: An organism that can reproduce only inside a host cell. Chlamydia trachomatis relies on host cells to complete its life cycle.
Azithromycin: A macrolide antibiotic used to treat several bacterial infections. It is an alternative chlamydia treatment in some circumstances.
Ectopic pregnancy: A pregnancy that implants outside the uterine cavity, commonly in a fallopian tube. Tubal damage from prior infection can increase this pregnancy risk.
Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis. It can also cause genital symptoms but requires different tests and treatment.
Asymptomatic infection: An infection that produces no noticeable signs or symptoms. Many chlamydia infections are silent, so symptoms alone cannot identify cases.

Linked from 5 pages