OVERVIEW
What is Chlamydia?
It is a bacterial sexually transmitted disease (STD) which is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. It spreads from sexual intimacy with an infected person. Its risk factors include sexual intercourse with multiple partners, infection with another STD or previous STD infection, and not proper use of precautions like condoms.
What is chlamydia IgM (serum) lab test?
It is a blood test which measures immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody released against chlamydial infection. These IgM antibodies are released within a week of getting infected, provide immunity but stay for a short while in the body.
Why is chlamydia IgM (serum) lab test done?
The test is done:
- As it aids in proper diagnosis of chlamydial infection.
- As it helps in determining whether infection is current/recent or occurred in the past
- Its diagnosis and screening is very necessary as Chlamydial infection can cause serious complications if left untreated.
- If you are female who is sexually active, younger than 25, or are 25 and older, and are at risk of chlamydia
- If you have symptoms like pain while urinating, vaginal discharge and abdominal pain in women, & unusual discharge from penis & painful swollen testicles in men.
- If a newborn has conjunctivitis (pink eye).
- How long does chlamydia IgG antibody stay in blood?
It provides long-term immunity against chlamydia infection as IgG chlamydia antibodies stay for long term in body
- How does IgG chlamydia help?
It serves as a marker for Chlamydia-positive immune response and indicates past or chronic infection.
- Is testing done after chlamydia treatment?
The retest is done for evaluating and monitoring of chlamydia reinfection. It is routinely done if concerns about persistence of infection even after treatment exist.
- What are some signs which help know that chlamydia is getting better?
If discharge/pain while urinating improves, bleeding between periods or heavier periods improve, and pelvic pain/pain in testicles improve.
- Does chlamydia stay in blood?
After you've been treated with proper antibiotics, chlamydia gets cured, and person becomes immune to it.
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS:
IgM range for Chlamydia trachomatis is:
- Negative: <0.8
- Borderline: 0.8−1.0
- Positive: >1.0
You get tested for diagnosis of chlamydia and aids in determining whether it is a past or current infection.