Chlamydia: The Silent Killer
Javier Martin
Waukesha County Technical College
Section 11274
Instructor: Dr. Tracy Neher
April 30, 2017
Chlamydia: The Silent Killer A sexually transmitted infection that affects approximately 3 million Americans per year with a yearly cost of 2.1 billion dollars for treatment and prevention is caused by the bacterial pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis. Known as the silent disease for its ability to conceal itself in the body, chlamydia infections are characteristically asymptomatic for over 50 percent of men and women, in its early onset, facilitating its rapid spread (Chlamydia, 2016). A rise in chlamydia infections, in developed countries like the United States, has created an urgent …show more content…
There is a myriad of oral antibiotics that can be taken for a 7-day period and have a 97% cure rate. Azithromycin may be taken daily at a 1 gram dose for 7 days. Doxycycline, a more affordable antibiotic than azithromycin, may be taken twice daily at a 100-milligram dose for 7 days (Singh, Marshall, 2016). Alternative 7 day oral antibiotic regimens include 500 milligrams of levofloxacin 4 times daily; 300 milligrams of ofloxacin twice daily; and 500 milligrams of erythromycin 4 times daily (Singh, Marshall, 2016). Pregnant women or neonates that are infected are recommended to take erythromycin under the observation of a clinician. Men and women should abstain from sexual activity until all scheduled antibiotic dosing has been completed. Retesting with a NAAT 3 months after the initial chlamydia infection is recommended given the bacterium’s highly virulent nature (Qureshi, 2016). Repeat infections are common along with potential genitourinary damage that will require additional treatments. Reproductive health complications are more probable among men and women who have contracted chlamydia infections. All sexual partners must be notified that they have come in contact with a chlamydia positive individual and must seek diagnostic testing and treatment. The best preventative mechanisms against this communicable sexually transmitted infection is monogamy, safe-sex with consistent use of latex condoms, and annual chlamydia screenings for all sexual
Javier Martin
Waukesha County Technical College
Section 11274
Instructor: Dr. Tracy Neher
April 30, 2017
Chlamydia: The Silent Killer A sexually transmitted infection that affects approximately 3 million Americans per year with a yearly cost of 2.1 billion dollars for treatment and prevention is caused by the bacterial pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis. Known as the silent disease for its ability to conceal itself in the body, chlamydia infections are characteristically asymptomatic for over 50 percent of men and women, in its early onset, facilitating its rapid spread (Chlamydia, 2016). A rise in chlamydia infections, in developed countries like the United States, has created an urgent …show more content…
There is a myriad of oral antibiotics that can be taken for a 7-day period and have a 97% cure rate. Azithromycin may be taken daily at a 1 gram dose for 7 days. Doxycycline, a more affordable antibiotic than azithromycin, may be taken twice daily at a 100-milligram dose for 7 days (Singh, Marshall, 2016). Alternative 7 day oral antibiotic regimens include 500 milligrams of levofloxacin 4 times daily; 300 milligrams of ofloxacin twice daily; and 500 milligrams of erythromycin 4 times daily (Singh, Marshall, 2016). Pregnant women or neonates that are infected are recommended to take erythromycin under the observation of a clinician. Men and women should abstain from sexual activity until all scheduled antibiotic dosing has been completed. Retesting with a NAAT 3 months after the initial chlamydia infection is recommended given the bacterium’s highly virulent nature (Qureshi, 2016). Repeat infections are common along with potential genitourinary damage that will require additional treatments. Reproductive health complications are more probable among men and women who have contracted chlamydia infections. All sexual partners must be notified that they have come in contact with a chlamydia positive individual and must seek diagnostic testing and treatment. The best preventative mechanisms against this communicable sexually transmitted infection is monogamy, safe-sex with consistent use of latex condoms, and annual chlamydia screenings for all sexual