Chlamydia trachomatis*

A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Chlamydia trachomatis*

Classification

Higher order taxa

Bacteria; Chlamydiae/Verrucomicrobia group; Chlamydiae; Chlamydiae (class); Chlamydiales; Chlamydiaceae; Chlamydia

Species

C. trachomatis

Description and significance

Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacterium that causes ocular and genital tract infections in humans. C. trachomatis is the world’s leading cause of preventable blindness. This condition, known as trachoma, currently infects some 150 million people in the world (Chlamydia). C. trachomatis is the most common cause of sexually transmitted bacterial disease in the United States. Each year approximately 4 million new cases are reported in the United States and 50 million worldwide (pathmicro).

In ocular infections, C. trachomatis can be passed from person to person through direct contact in the eye with infected ocular or nasal fluids, sneezing or coughing, sharing clothing or towels, and eye-seeking flies (medicalecology). Initial infections result in swollen eyelids, sensitivity to light, and discharge from the eye. Recurrent infections, when left untreated, will produce scarring, and eventually lead to blindness. Instances of trachoma throughout history have been reported in Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and trachoma was a health concern in the United States and Europe during the 19th and 20th centuries (medicalecology). In genital tract infections, C. trachomatis is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person. Symptoms will develop within 1 and 3 weeks after infection and include abnormal discharge from the gentials, and painful urination. Most people with an infection will not exhibit symptoms, and left untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in women and epididymitis in men (antigenics).

Because the majority of people with chlamydial infections will not show symptoms, they can unknowingly spread the bacteria to others. Distancing yourself from people with active eye infections, abstaining from sexual contact, and using latex condoms correctly and consistently can significantly reduce your chances of spreading or contracting the bacteria. Additionally, doctors recommend regular tests for people under 25, especially if you have more than one sexual partner, even if you have no symptoms (antigenics).

Genome structure

Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes and plasmids? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence?

Cell structure, metabolism & life cycle

Provide a physical and biochemical description of the organism. What kind of organism is it, what does it look like, how is it built, what are its metabolic properties, how can it be identified, what is it's life cycle, &c. In other words, describe the organism from its perspective.

Ecology (including pathogenesis)

Describe its habitat, symbiosis, and contributions to environment. If it is a pathogen, how does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Describe virulence factors and patient symptoms.