Chlamydia Test - Why is It Done?

Chlamydia test is done for diagnosing Chlamydia, a typical sexually transmitted disease. However, it is also recommended for screening sexually active males and females for microorganisms, gonorrhea, genital herpes and warts. Whilst the symptoms of Chlamydia are the first cause of concern, which requires a test to be done, there are times when this condition might have mild or no symptoms at all.

Chlamydia is a very common diseases caused by bacteria. According to the statistics of 2010, over 1,307,893 cases of Chlamydia infections were found from different parts of USA. American women are more susceptible to the condition. If left untreated, it can pose to be a threat for life.

Why is a Chlamydia test done?

Chlamydia test is done to diagnose the cause of underlying symptoms that has be become a threat to health. In most of the cases, the test is required for:

• Diagnosing whether or not the symptoms are that of any sexually transmitted infections caused by Chlamydia bacteria.

• Diagnose a person for Chlamydia infection.

As the condition does not cause any symptoms during the initial days, it is important to follow a routine test.

• Sexually active females within 24 years of age should get this test done regularly.

• Women who are sexually active and at high risk sexual behaviors will need this test routinely.

• Women in their first and third trimester of pregnancy can develop Chlamydia infection.

• Women with pelvic inflammatory diseases are at a high risk of developing the disease.

• Women showing the sings of cervical infections, genital herpes and warts very frequently, should be tested for Chlamydia.

There are different types of Chlamydia tests that may be recommended for diagnosing the condition. Most of these tests use some body fluid samples taken from the affected part of the body. Some of the common tests are:

• NAAT (Nucleic acid amplification tests): These tests are done to find the DNA of bacterium causing Chlamydia. These are very sensitive tests that will give accurate results. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is a classic example, which is done with urine sample.

• DNA Probe Test (Nucleic acid hybridization tests): This test is also done to identify the Chlamydia DNA. It is an accurate test, but not as sensitive as the previous one.

• DFA (Direct fluorescent antibody test): It is a quick test that helps in finding Chlamydia antigens in the body.

• ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent asay): This test helps in finding substances, such as Chlamydia antigens triggering the immune system to combat Chlamydia infection.

Diagnosing Chlamydia is very important so that it is possible to rule out the chances of any further infections. It will ensure that proper treatment is administered immediately after diagnosing the problem. Like the disease, damage caused by Chlamydia is also “silent.”

In women, when Chlamydia is not treated, it can spread to the fallopian tubes and uterus to cause severe pelvic inflammatory disease. Frequent bouts of genital herpes may occur, which will lead to severe infections and permanent damage.

Julia Bennet - About Author:
Suspect you are suffering from genital herpes. Get a Chlamydia test done now by clicking on the links.

Article Source:
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