What is Chlamydia Antigen?
Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacterium that is responsible for causing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and affects the genital tract, rectum, throat, and eyes. The infection causes severe complications in the body and the onset of several disorders including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. It can also be transmitted to the newborns if the mother is affected and can cause conjunctivitis and pneumonia
In response to the infection, the body produces chlamydia antigen which is used as the primary biomarker for the detection of the presence of infection. A chlamydia antigen test is conducted to detect those antigens to confirm the presence of an infection.
How is the Test Performed?
Chlamydia antigen test is performed by swabbing the sample from the site of infection or urine sample collection.
Preparation
- No special preparation is required for the test.
- Avoid urinating for at least an hour before the test.
- Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking.
Laboratory Analysis
- The sample is analyzed in the laboratory using advanced techniques such as ELISA and nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) as they are highly sensitive and accurate for chlamydia antigen testing.
What are the symptoms that prompt this test?
Chlamydia infections are usually asymptomatic during the early stages, the person might start showing the following symptoms that vary according to the site of the infection;
Symptoms in Women
- Vaginal discharge with an unusual odor
- Urinating painfully
- Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic pain
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Painful intercourse
Symptoms in Men
- Clear or cloudy discharge from the penis
- Painful urination
- Swelling or pain in both testicles
Symptoms in Newborns
- Inflammation of the eyes
- Cough
- Breathing difficulty
- Pneumonia
General Symptoms
- Pain in the rectum followed by bleeding and discharge
- Sore throat
- Persistent cough
What are Normal Ranges for This Test?
The chlamydia antigen test is a qualitative test and gives the result as positive or negative, a positive test indicating that the bacterium is present whereas the negative result shows the absence of the bacterium.
A positive result does not confirm the presence of the bacteria alone rather it requires further testing for the confirmation of the bacterial presence.
**Always consult your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis of the test results. **
What Happens if Test Results Show Abnormal Levels?
When the result shows the presence of the bacteria, it needs immediate medical attention as it spreads in the body rapidly.
Treatment
Chlamydia infections are treated with antibiotics;
- Azithromycin
- Doxycycline
Complications of untreated infection
- Infertility
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Epididymitis
- Prostatitis
Regular monitoring is vital to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
