Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) causes by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which can damage the genital organs of a woman. Though mostly the disease can cause negligible symptoms, serious complications can cause irreparable damage including infertility. The disease can be caused during vaginal, oral and anal sex. It can also be transmitted from an infected mother to the baby during childbirth.
Tests for Chlamydia is recommended annually for sexually active women aged 25 and below. Screening tests are also advisable for older women with risk of the disease. Pregnant women are also recommended to have the test done. The tests involve testing a sample of the body fluid from the affected area or urine to determine the occurrence of the disease causing bacteria. Some of the tests are:
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): A quick test done to detect Chlamydia antigens that activate the immune system to fight against Chlamydia infection.
• Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT): Done to detect the genetic material or DNA of Chlamydia bacteria.
• Nucleic acid hybridization tests (DNA probe testing): Done to detect DNA of Chlamydia bacteria. It is accurate but not as sensitive as the NAAT.
• Direct fluorescent antibody test (DFA): Quick, common test done to detect Chlamydia infection.
• Chlamydia culture: An expensive and longer test compared to the above mentioned tests. This culture creates the environment for the bacteria to grow and is usually done when the treatment for the infection has failed.
Tests for Chlamydia is recommended annually for sexually active women aged 25 and below. Screening tests are also advisable for older women with risk of the disease. Pregnant women are also recommended to have the test done. The tests involve testing a sample of the body fluid from the affected area or urine to determine the occurrence of the disease causing bacteria. Some of the tests are:
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): A quick test done to detect Chlamydia antigens that activate the immune system to fight against Chlamydia infection.
• Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT): Done to detect the genetic material or DNA of Chlamydia bacteria.
• Nucleic acid hybridization tests (DNA probe testing): Done to detect DNA of Chlamydia bacteria. It is accurate but not as sensitive as the NAAT.
• Direct fluorescent antibody test (DFA): Quick, common test done to detect Chlamydia infection.
• Chlamydia culture: An expensive and longer test compared to the above mentioned tests. This culture creates the environment for the bacteria to grow and is usually done when the treatment for the infection has failed.
