Sexually transmitted infections
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) more than a million people acquire a sexually transmitted infection every day. The most common sexually transmitted infections (STI) are gonorrhea, chlamydia infections, syphilis, trichomoniasis, genital herpes and HIV.
The consequences of STIs have a profound impact on sexual and reproductive health. That means, infected persons suffer from losses in their quality of life and the society has to cover the extremely high health costs.
Chlamydia trachomatis
Chlamydia are immobile, obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens. There are three different human pathogenic species, Chlamydia trachomatis, C. pneumoniae and C. psittaci
Chlamydia trachomatis is divided into several serotypes:
- Serotypes A to C are the causative agents of trachoma, a major cause of blindness in the tropics.
- Serotypes L1 to L3 cause lymphogranuloma venereum which is a sexual transmitted disease frequently found in the tropics.
- Serotypes D to K are the most common sexually transmitted bacteria.
Chlamydia trachomatis (serotypes D to L) are the most common sexually transmitted bacteria worldwide. Due to the often asymptomatic clinical course, the infection is not diagnosed or treated. However, if chlamydia infections are not treated, they can lead to severe complications such as infertility or abortion especially in women.
Nucleic acid amplification assays (NAT) for the direct detection of bacteria are particularly recommended for C. trachomatis screening or diagnosis of acute infections. They are highly sensitive and specific thus enabling reliable diagnostics and treatment. In consequence, long-term sequelae might be prevented.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonococci are gram-negative, aerobe and immobile diplococci.
Gonorrhea is a commonly reported sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Usually, young sexually active persons aged 15 to 25 bear the greatest burden of infection. The transmission occurs via sexual contacts and at birth. The infection is primarily restricted to the mucus membranes of the endocervix, urethra, rectum and pharynx. If the infection is undetected and therefore untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as infertility or ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, if an infection is suspected a fast and reliable diagnosis is crucial.
Our products for your reliable STI diagnostics
The FluoroType® CT, an innovative fluorescence-based test system, can be used for the fast and reliable detection of C. trachomatis directly from patient specimens. The FluoroType® NG assay is based on the FluoroType® technology and allows for the consistent identification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Thus, both test systems play an important role in the diagnostics of sexually transmitted diseases.