Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of bacteria: A very small, coccoid (spherical) bacterium of the genus Chlamydia that is an obligate intracellular parasite, meaning it can only live and reproduce inside the cells of a host. It infects birds and mammals.
   • A sexually transmitted infection (STI): A common infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which can infect the eyes, lungs, and genitourinary tract (including the urethra, cervix, rectum, and throat).

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Bacterium):
  • Chlamydia is an unusual bacterium because it cannot generate its own energy.
  • The laboratory test confirmed the presence of chlamydia.
• Noun (Infection):
  • She was treated for chlamydia after a routine screening.
  • Chlamydia is one of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections.

Advanced Usage

• As a non-count noun: Typically used without an article when referring to the infection in a general sense.
  • The health campaign aims to increase testing for chlamydia.
• In medical terminology: Often specified by the species or site of infection.
  • Chlamydia trachomatis is the species responsible for human STIs.
  • Ocular chlamydia can cause trachoma, a leading cause of preventable blindness.

Variants and Related Words

• Chlamydial (adjective): Relating to or caused by chlamydia.
  • Chlamydial conjunctivitis is an eye infection.
• Chlamydiosis (noun): The disease state caused by a chlamydia infection, often used in veterinary contexts.

Synonyms

• STI / STD: Sexually transmitted infection/disease (for the infection).
• Bacterial infection: (General category for the medical condition).
• C. trachomatis infection: (Specific medical term).

Related Phrases

• Asymptomatic chlamydia: Refers to the common occurrence where an infected person shows no symptoms.
  • Many cases of chlamydia are asymptomatic, which is why screening is important.
• Chlamydia screening/test: The process of checking for the infection.
  • Annual chlamydia screening is recommended for sexually active young women.

Noun

1. coccoid rickettsia infesting birds and mammals; cause infections of eyes and lungs and genitourinary tract
2. a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria of the genus Chlamydia