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Microbiology 101 Summer 2023 Writing Assignment 5 NAME _________________________________ Remember to use your own words. You must write in complete sentences and answer each question. 1. (5 points) Describe the basic biology of this organism. This includes, but is not limited to, information such as: phylogeny, cell or virus morphology, virus genome type, as well as Gram reaction, oxygen relationship (aerobe, anaerobe), and type of metabolism (fermentation or respiration), when applicable. Chlamydia trachomatis is a type of bacteria that infects cells within its host. It has two forms, elementary bodies and reticulate bodies, with the former being the infectious form and the latter responsible for replication. Despite being Gram-negative, its cell wall is different from typical Gram-negative bacteria. Chlamydia lacks its own metabolic machinery and needs to rely on host cells for energy and nutrients. Its genome is relatively small and encodes essential proteins for its intracellular lifestyle. This bacterium goes through a unique cycle, transforming to adapt to different stages of infection. Source (required): https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chlamydia/symptoms- causes/syc-20355349 2. (2 points) What is(are) the main reservoir(s) for this organism on Earth? Be specific and provide details. The main reservoir for Chlamydia trachomatis on Earth is humans. This bacterium primarily infects humans and is a major cause of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It's commonly found in the genital and ocular (eye-related) tissues of infected individuals. Chlamydia trachomatis spreads through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex, as well as from mother to newborn during childbirth. Source (required): https://medlineplus.gov/chlamydiainfections.html 3. (3 points) How is this pathogen transmitted to human beings and/or between human beings? Be specific and provide details. Chlamydia trachomatis is mainly transmitted among humans through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex, due to the exchange of bodily fluids and mucous membrane contact. It can also pass from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth, potentially causing health issues. The bacterium doesn't survive long outside the body, emphasizing the significance of close personal contact for transmission. Using protection like condoms can lower the risk of its transmission and other sexually transmitted infections. Source (required): https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chlamydia/symptoms- causes/syc-20355349 4. (4 points) W rite a short description of the resulting disease(s) outcomes. Do not include minor symptoms or rare outcomes, rather focus on the main damage that may result (e.g. pneumonia,

immune suppression) and any major symptoms (rash, diarrhea). Chlamydia trachomatis infections lead to significant consequences. Genital infections cause inflammation, resulting in cervicitis and urethritis, and if untreated, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, potentially causing infertility and chronic pain. Additionally, ocular infections cause trachoma, leading to eyelid scarring that can scratch the cornea, causing pain, vision impairment, and blindness. Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent these serious outcomes, particularly the damage to reproductive and ocular health. Source (required): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3818592/ 5. (4 points) What is one significant virulence factor produced by the pathogen, what is it made of and what is the function or activity of this virulence factor ? Choose one major virulence factor. If none are known, then describe how the pathogen causes damage. The focus here is on the pathogen, not the host. Chlamydia trachomatis utilizes a key virulence factor known as the Type III Secretion System (T3SS). Made up of proteins, this molecular structure acts like a needle, allowing the bacterium to inject effector proteins into host cells. These effectors alter the host cell's functions, aiding in the bacterium's invasion and creation of a protective compartment called an inclusion. The T3SS helps Chlamydia evade the immune system, manipulate host signaling pathways, and ensure a conducive environment for its growth and replication within host cells. Source (required): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3818592/ 6. (3 points) What are the main treatments for diseases caused by this pathogen? Be specific and provide details. Diseases caused by Chlamydia trachomatis are typically treated with antibiotics, primarily azithromycin or doxycycline. Azithromycin is often given as a single dose, while doxycycline requires about a week of treatment. Both antibiotics work by hindering the bacteria's growth and replication processes. Completing the full course of antibiotics is vital to fully eliminate the infection. Treating sexual partners is also important to prevent reinfection. Swift treatment is crucial to avoid complications, particularly in genital infections that could lead to serious issues like pelvic inflammatory disease. Regular testing and safe sexual practices are essential to prevent Chlamydia trachomatis-related diseases. Source (required): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3818592/ 7. (4 points) Describe any vaccines, including vaccine composition, if applicable. If not, then write about another preventative measure. Be specific and provide details. There is no approved vaccine specifically targeting Chlamydia trachomatis infections available for widespread use. Vaccine development for Chlamydia has proven challenging due to the complex biology of the bacterium and the lack of long-lasting immunity following natural infections. preventative measures involve practicing safe sex, using barrier methods such as condoms, and engaging in regular STI testing, especially for those who are sexually active or have multiple partners. Early detection and prompt treatment of Chlamydia infections are crucial to preventing complications and reducing the spread of the bacterium.

Source (required): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3818592/ Malhotra, M., Sood, S., Mukherjee, A., Muralidhar, S., & Bala, M. (2013, September). Genital chlamydia trachomatis: An update . The Indian journal of medical research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3818592/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3818592/ Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, April 14). Chlamydia trachomatis . Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases- conditions/chlamydia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355349 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases- conditions/chlamydia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355349 U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Chlamydia infections | chlamydia | chlamydia symptoms . MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/chlamydiainfections.html https://medlineplus.gov/chlamydiainfections.html

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