Disease_in_the_News-_Chlamydia

Disease in the news- Chlamydia Mary Beth Anderson HCS/245 November 3, 2010 Jennifer Goodrich Disease in the news- Chlamydia Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachometis, is the most reported sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Left untreated Chlamydia damages reproductive organs causing irreversible complications such as infertility. In the reviewed article, the author focuses on the growing number of Chlamydia infections among adolescents and young adults. The author begins the article by defining Chlamydia and describing signs and symptoms of the disease which, in women, are generally mild or absent, commonly resulting in irreversible damage and possible infertility. In men, Chlamydia can result in penile discharge with the majority remaining asymptomatic. In relation to gender and age, women are at higher risk than men for most sexually transmitted diseases, and young women are more succeptible to Chlamydia than older women. (Adderley, p. 52, 2005). Next the author explains the pathophysiology of Chlamydia. Chlamydia is an obligate, gram-negative, intracellular parasite that is similar to a bacterium but lacks the ability to reproduce independently. (Adderley, p. 52, 2005). In women this bacteria infects the vagina, spreading to the cervix and fallopian tubes if left untreated. Chlamydia also affects the mouth and anus. While these structures are shown to be succeptible to Chlamydia infection, deep tissues and organs remain unharmed. Then the author discusses the threat Chlamydia poses to young adults. Although Chlamydia does not receive as much attention in the media as AIDS, it is potentially a more serious threat to teenagers. (Adderley, p. 53, 2005). Girls have a higher infection rate than boys with ages 15-19 showing highest infection rates. Next the author explains diagnostic procedures for Chlamydia. With this infection, delayed diagnosis is common relater to vague or no symptoms. “A diagnosis can be made from cultures of the discharge from around the cervix.” (Adderley, p. 53, 2005). Re-infection rate is high, resulting in increased incidence of reproductive complications. Untreated Chlamydia can also cause sterility in men. The course of treatment for Chlamydia discussed in this article is oral medications including a one-time dose of azithromycin or seven-day treatments of erythromycin or doxycycline. “After a single-dose treatment infected persons should abstain from sexual intercourse for seven days, or until a seven-day treatment has been completed.” (Adderley, p. 53, 2005). Furthermore, treated individuals need to abstain from sexual intercourse until all sexual partners have completed treatment. In this article the author discusses the prevalence of Chlamydia. “Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted bacteria in the United States.” (Adderley, p. 54, 2005). Dividing the United States into regions, Chlamydia infection rates are highest in the southern states. Furthermore, the author explains rates of Chlamydia infections in a variety of settings including correctional facilities, school based clinics, and screening programs working with underprivileged youth. Also this article includes a study based in 28 states and Puerto Rico involving women enrolled in a job training program. “Among women entering the National Job Training Program from 28 states and Puerto Rico in 2002, based on their place of residence before program entry, the median state specific Chlamydia prevalence was 10.1%.” (Adderley, p.54, 2005). Incidence in schools continues to climb even after the implementation of improved public health programs. “In 2002, results from a number of non-traditional screening programs (school based clinics, juvenile corrections facilities, drug treatment centers, and organizations serving street youth) that use urine based tests, identified a median site specific Chlamydia positively of 13.2% at 19 school based clinics and 9.7% at 14 organizations serving street youth.” (Adderley, p. 54, 2005). Chlamydia is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease today in the United States. Spread by sexual contact with an infected partner, Chlamydia infects both men and women. Unfortunately, Chlamydia does not cause symptoms, resulting in infected persons unknowingly spreading infection while bacteria continues to spread, leading to many complications including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. In the reviewed article the author explains all aspects of Chlamydia infection completely, focusing on the impact of Chlamydia on young people. Easily treated, Chlamydia infections respond to a treatment course of oral antibiotics. Implementation of screening programs and improvements in community health addresses the rising infection rates. Practicing safe sex and avoiding risky sexual behavior remains the best course of action in the prevention of Chlamydia. Resources Adderley-Kelly, B., & Stephens, E. (2005). Chlamydia: a major health threat to adolescents and young adults. ABNF Journal, 16(3), 52-55. Retrieved from CINAHL Plus with Full Text database.