Clinical significance
Chlamydiae are small Gram-negative bacteria that are obligate intracellular parasites; they have DNA, RNA and ribosomes, replicate by fission and are sensitive to antibiotics. Although they share common antigenic features, the genus Chlamydia includes microorganisms with distinct biological, serological and pathogenic properties.
Chlamydia trachomatis is the cause of one of the most widespread sexually transmitted infections in Western countries.
In men, genital chlamydia infection causes urethritis, of which epididymitis is the most common complication; in women the organ most often affected is the cervix. Chlamydial cervicitis, if not diagnosed, can spread to the fallopian tubes and cause salpingitis. Chlamydia trachomatis can also cause pelvic inflammatory disease, characterised by inflammation of the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. The infection can be passed from mother to baby.
Clinical indications
Suspected infection, salpingitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Sample type
The patient must have a blood sample taken.
Preparation
You must fast for at least 8 hours; a small amount of water is allowed.
Notes
IgG absent, IgM absent: no exposure. If the clinical picture is uncertain, patients should be monitored over time.
IgG present, IgM absent: past infection.
IgG absent, IgM present: early-stage infection.
IgG present, IgM present: acute infection
In immunocompromised patients and in newborn babies the test results are of limited value. A cross-reaction with Chlamydia pneumoniae cannot be ruled out.