IndexHistory of the diseaseSymptomsCausesConsequences of chlamydia if left untreatedTreatmentPreventionHistory of the diseaseChlamydia is a small group of non-motile coccoid bacteria and obligate intracellular parasites of cells eukaryotic. Chlamydial cells are unable to carry out energy metabolism and lack many biosynthetic pathways; therefore, they are entirely dependent on the host cell to provide them with ATP and other intermediates. Because of their dependence on the host's biosynthetic machinery, chlamydia were originally thought to be a virus; however, they have a cell wall and contain DNA, RNA and ribosomes and are therefore now classified as bacteria. The group consists of a single genus, Chlamydia). This genus contains the species C trachomatis and C psittaci, as well as a new organism, the TWAR organism, which has recently been proposed as the third species. All three species cause disease in humans. Chlamydia psittaci infects a wide variety of birds and numerous mammals, while C trachomatis is largely limited to humans. Chlamydia pneumoniae has only been found in humans. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Chlamydia trachomatis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. You may not know you have chlamydia because many people never develop signs or symptoms, such as genital pain and discharge from the vagina or penis. Chlamydia trachomatis affects both men and women and occurs in all age groups, although it is more common among young women. Chlamydia is not difficult to treat once you know you have it. If left untreated, however, it can lead to more serious health problems. Symptoms In women, genital chlamydia often causes no symptoms. However, some women experience "nonspecific symptoms" such as cystitis, changes in vaginal discharge, and mild abdominal pain. If left untreated, chlamydia infection can cause: pelvic pain, painful sexual intercourse, or sometimes bleeding between periods. Chlamydia infection can also spread to the uterus and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is a leading cause of infertility, ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage. Men with chlamydia usually have discharge from the urethra through the penis. There may also be inflammation of the ducts running from the bladder to the tip of the penis or from the testicles to the penis. This discomfort may disappear, but the infection may continue to spread to your sexual partner. The main risk factors are: Active sexual life before the age of 25. Having multiple sexual partners or sporadic sex with strangers. Do not use prophylactic measures in sexual intercourse. a history of sexually transmitted diseases. The Causes Since chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it is transmitted from one person to another during intimate sexual contact. Chlamydia can be transmitted through: unprotected vaginal intercourse, unprotected anal sex, or genital contact with an infected partner. Since it is normal for a person with a chlamydia infection to have no symptoms, it is possible for that person to infect their partner without knowing it. . Chlamydia cannot spread by using the same toilet seat as an infected person, nor can it spread in swimming pools or saunas. Chlamydia can be transmitted from mother to baby during birth. Although no obvious symptoms are apparent at first, the infection often sets in within two weeks of birth and can have complications such as pneumonia. Consequences of chlamydia if left untreated If chlamydia is not treated in,.