New Chlamydia test shows type of infection

There are nineteen subtypes of Chlamydia trachomatis. The classification is based on the proteins that are present on the outer surface of the Chlamydia bacteria. The genetic code in the DNA of the bacteria determines which proteins those are. The new test shows which DNA the Chlamydia bacteria contain, by which the Chlamydia subtype can be ascertained. The test also shows if someone is infected with more than one subtype. With the test result it can then be decided what antibiotic treatment option is most suitable.

Koen Quint found no evidence that Chlamydia infections are associated with the development of cervical cancer. Until now there were indications that Chlamydia can stimulate the development of cervical cancer in women that are infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Koen Quint did not find evidence for such association in HPV-infected women. The association found earlier is probably due to the fact that Chlamydia and HPV are transmitted in the same way. Therefore, people are often simultaneously infected with both Chlamydia and HPV. 

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) and may result in infertility. In the Netherlands, sixty thousand people every year are infected with Chlamydia trachomatis. Most infected people have no symptoms, but they can – unknowingly – infect other people.

Provided by University of Amsterdam