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Difference Between Chlamydia and Strep Throat
Chlamydia and strep throat are two distinct types of bacterial infections that affect different parts of the body. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that affects the reproductive system, while strep throat is a bacterial infection that affects the throat and tonsils. In this essay, we will explore the differences between chlamydia and strep throat in terms of their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia infections are either respiratory (caused by C. pneumoniae), or genital (caused by C. trachomatis). In either type of infection, pain and inflammation result in the area of infection, and both infections can be spread to other people.
Symptoms and complications − C. trachomatis causes symptoms such as pain and discharge and itching in the genital area. C. pneumonia causes a runny nose, cough, and fever. Complications that can result from C. trachomatis include pelvic inflammatory disease in women and inflammation of the testes in men. C. pneumoniae can in rare cases, lead to a worsening of asthma symptoms, infection of the heart muscle and the brain. It can lead to death in a few rare cases.
Diagnosis − A molecular test looking for the DNA of the Chlamydia can provide a positive diagnosis of the presence of the species. Physical symptoms may be suggestive of a particular infection, but the molecular test can give certainty as to the identity of the causative organism.
Risk factors and treatment − The C. pneumoniae is caught by being around people who are sick with the disease, so if you are in a crowded area where there are sick individuals. The old and very young are at increased risk of this infection. The C. trachomatis is spread through sex, so the more partners a person has the greater the risk of contracting this STD. The antibiotic doxycycline is often used to treat chlamydial infections.
What is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is an infection of the throat and mouth that is caused by bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes. This infection is also often called streptococcus pharyngitis.
Symptoms and complications − The symptoms of strep throat include having a painful throat and finding swallowing to be painful. The tonsils are often red and swollen and covered in white areas of pus. There may be red spots present at the back of the mouth as well. The lymph nodes in the neck and jaw also often enlarge when a person has strep pharyngitis. Strep can lead to complications such as kidney disease and rheumatic fever.
Diagnosis − A physical exam and a test for antigens can diagnose strep throat. The antigen test is done after taking a swab from the person’s throat. The swab can also be cultured and grown for further confirmation of the presence of the S. pyogenes bacterium. In the past, doctors used a series of criteria and symptoms to determine the likelihood that a person had strep throat. This included seeing if the rash was present at the back of the mouth and if the tonsils were affected.
Risk factors and treatment − Children are at greater risk than adults for getting strep throat, and it is more prevalent in the winter months. Treatment consists of using antibiotics, most often amoxicillin or penicillin. However, people with allergies to these can take erythromycin, clindamycin or azithromycin antibiotics instead of the penicillin-group antibiotics.
Differences: Chlamydia and Strep Throat
Causes − Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which is typically transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be passed from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth. Strep throat, on the other hand, is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, which can be transmitted through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through direct contact with an infected person's saliva or nasal secretions.
Symptoms − The symptoms of chlamydia may not be noticeable, and some people may not experience any symptoms at all. However, common symptoms in women include vaginal discharge, pain or burning during urination, pain during sex, and bleeding between periods. In men, symptoms may include discharge from the penis, pain or burning during urination, and pain or swelling in the testicles. Strep throat, on the other hand, typically causes sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and white patches or spots on the tonsils or throat.
Diagnosis − Chlamydia can be diagnosed through a simple urine test or swab of the infected area. In some cases, a blood test may be used to detect the antibodies produced in response to the infection. Strep throat can be diagnosed through a rapid strep test, which involves swabbing the throat and testing for the presence of strep bacteria. In some cases, a throat culture may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment − Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics, such as azithromycin or doxycycline. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished. Untreated chlamydia can lead to serious health problems,including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Strep throat is typically treated with antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin. Over-the-counter pain relievers and throat lozenges can also help relieve symptoms.
Prevention − The best way to prevent chlamydia is to practice safe sex, such as using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners. Regular screenings and testing are also important for sexually active individuals, especially those who have multiple partners. Strep throat can be prevented by practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently, covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
The following table highlights the major differences between Chlamydia and Strep Throat −
Characteristics |
Chlamydia |
Strep Throat |
|---|---|---|
Definition |
Chlamydia is an infection that either causes respiratory problems or affects the genital region depending on the species. |
Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the mouth and throat region. |
Causative agent |
Chlamydia is caused by C. pneumoniae or C trachomatis bacterial species. |
Strep throat is caused by S. pyogenes bacterial species. |
Cell wall type |
Chlamydia bacterial cells have a gram-negative cell wall. |
The Streptococcus bacteria have a gram-positive cell wall. |
Symptoms |
C. trachomatis causes pain and possibly discharge from the genital organs, C. pneumonia causes coughing and other respiratory infection symptoms. |
Strep throat causes pain in the throat area, red rash at the back of the mouth, pus on the tonsils and swelling. The lymph nodes in jaw and neck may also swell. |
Diagnosis |
A molecular test showing the presence of the genetic material can be used to diagnose Chlamydia. |
An antigen test can be used to look for the Streptococcus that causes the strep throat. |
Risk factors |
Depending on the species, risk factors for chlamydial infections include being promiscuous, and with the pneumonia-form, being very young or very old. |
Being a child during winter time is a risk factor for strep throat. |
Complications |
Chlamydia trachomatis infection can cause complications such as testicle inflammation in men and pelvic inflammatory disease in women. The pneumonia form of chlamydial infection can have complications such as infected heart and brain, but this is rare. |
Strep throat can cause complications such as rheumatic fever and kidney disease. |
Treatment |
An antibiotic such as doxycycline can be used to treat Chlamydia. |
The antibiotics penicillin and erythromycin can be used to treat strep throat infections. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, chlamydia and strep throat are two different types of bacterial infections that affect different parts of the body. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that affects the reproductive system, while strep throat is a bacterial infection that affects the throat and tonsils.
Both conditions can be treated with antibiotics, but prevention is the best strategy to avoid these infections altogether. Practicing safe sex and good hygiene are key to preventing the spread of these infections and protecting overall health.
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