Picture 32
This picture shows a direct immunofluorescence test for Chlamydia trachomatis. It shows a negative result.
Chlamydia trachomatis
Morphology: Obligate intracellular parasites that have a rigid cell wall but do not have a typical peptidoglycan layer although it resembles Gram negative bacteria
Route of transmission: Sexual contact, perinatal transmission
Investigations: Direct immunofluorescence, or microscopy (inclusions seen in epithelial cells stained with Giemsa's stain)
Diseases:
Immunotypes A, B and C cause trachoma
Immunotypes D-K cause sexually trasmitted diseases and perinatally acquired infections
Immunotypes L1, L2 and L3 cause lymphogranuloma venereum and hemorrhagic proctocolitis
Treatment:
Tetracycline or erythromycin