Human diseases caused by the genus Chlamydia are widespread among women and men. This genus includes three species that are pathogenic to humans and lead to the development of disease. Chlamydia trachomatis – causes infections of the genitourinary system in humans. Chlamydia pneumoniae – infection with it leads to the development of an infection of the respiratory system. Chlamyda psittaci – the spread of the infection occurs through birds, and in humans it leads to the development of a disease that affects the lungs. Chlamyda trachomatis is an intracellular microorganism that infects the cells of the epithelium covering the genitals. Transmission of the infection occurs most often through sexual contact. Depending on the serotype – a division that is made according to the antigenic characteristics of the species, Chlamydia trachomatis can cause the development of trachoma, an infection of the genital organs or the rare disease Lymphogranuloma venereum. Most common symptoms in women with chlamydial infection Infection with chlamydia trachomatis is most often associated with the development of an infection of the genitourinary system in women. Getting into the urethra, vagina and cervix, it causes an inflammatory reaction. Women’s complaints usually begin about 20 days after infection. Most often, the symptoms are related to the appearance of vaginal discharge and dysuria – pain and discomfort during urination. Other common complaints that may accompany chlamydia infection are pain in the lower abdomen, as well as during menstruation. Since getting into the organs of the genital system leads to inflammation, very often women report the presence of vaginal bleeding intermenstrually – outside the days of menstruation. NEWS_MORE_BOX Investigations and diagnosis – chlamydial infection The symptoms that accompany chlamydia trachomatis infection are not specific and are similar to those of gonorrhea. For this reason, an accurate diagnosis cannot be made by a gynecological examination alone. The tests that are carried out are related to the search for chlamydial genetic material – DNA or by conducting a serological test, which looks for antibodies from the IgG, IgA and IgM groups. These antibodies are formed against chlamydial antigens. Complications that can occur with untreated chlamydial infection The most common complications in women with chlamydial infection are related to involvement of the organs that are classified as the upper genital tract. Very often salpingitis develops – inflammation of the fallopian tubes or a form of pelvic inflammatory disease develops. When inflammation of the fallopian tubes develops, adhesions can form, which can cause infertility in women. Very often, it is precisely the formed adhesions that can be the reason for the occurrence of an ectopic pregnancy. During pregnancy, infection can cause premature birth – before the due date.Because it is transmitted from the mother to the child during intrauterine development, the newborn may have complications. They may manifest themselves in vision impairment or the infection may affect the lung and cause pneumonia in the newborn. Treatment Chlamydial infection detected in time can be completely cured. Antibiotic medications to which Chlamida trachmatis is sensitive are applied. The treatment must necessarily be carried out simultaneously for both partners, since very often the infection is asymptomatic.