Special remarks:

Chlamydiae are no motile, Gram negative and obligatory intracellular growing bacteria which form characteristic inclusions within the cytoplasm of parasitized cells. They are easily visible in the light microscope. Three different Chlamydia species pathogenic for humans are known: Chlamydia trachomatis, Chlamydia pneumoniae and Chlamydia psittaci, and one species only pathogenic for animals (C. pecorum). Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent agent of sexually transmitted diseases worldwide (400-500 million cases) and the number of infections is constantly growing. Pregnant women infected with C. trachomatis may transmit these bacteria during childbirth, causing conjunctivitis or pneumonia in newborns. Untreated cases of chlamydial infection can lead to chronic salpingitis, possibly resulting in ectopic pregnancy or infertility. In males, C. trachomatis is a major cause of non-gonococcal urethritis. A severe problem in Chlamydia infections is the frequent asymptomatic insidious course which may result in the initiation of chronic diseases. In many instances primary infections are not recognized and only the sequelae caused by ascended, persisting agents are diagnosed.