Anti-Chlamydia Antibody IgM

What is Anti-Chlamydia antibody IgM and what does this test reveal?

Anti-Chlamydia antibodyIgMis an automated ELISA-based blood examination to evaluate and measure the presence of IgM antibodies against Chlamydia infection in human plasma or serum. These antibodies exist in the human body for many years.

The body develops antibodies called IgM antibodies that are protective against the chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. The presence of ofthese antibodies signifies the presence of past chlamydia infection and help in the diagnosis of the disease. An anti-chlamydia antibody test is used to detect the presence of these IgM antibodies and find out if there is a chlamydia infection.

The tests help in finding out if chlamydia infection has spread to non-genital areas of the body. For instance, the bacteria can cause infection in the eyes.

Is this test known by alternative names?

Anti-chlamydia antibody IgM testing is  also known as:
– Chlamydia culture
– Chlamydia trachomatis testing
– Chlamydia Nucleic Acid Amplification Test

How is Anti Chlamydia Antibody testing performed?

Chlamydia Antibody Testing or CAT can be performed in the following ways:

– Testing urine samples
– Analysis of mucus from the vagina
– Elisa tests or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
– Analysis of swab cultures

Why is chlamydia called the silent disease?

Chlamydia trachomatis is a common STD or sexually transmitted disease that can spread during unprotected oral, vaginal, and anal sex. The disease can be asymptomatic and can remain dormant for years or have mild symptoms that are difficult to detect.

A vast majority of people do not portray signs of the infection, which is why Chlamydia is called as the silent infection. That is why chlamydia can escape diagnosis until the infection develops. Chlamydia can be asymptomatic and yet spread to others, stressing on how important Chlamydia Antibody Test blood examinations are in aiding timely diagnosis.

How does one get Chlamydia?

Unprotected sexual contact in the form of oral, anal, and vaginal sex can spread chlamydia.Contact with bodily fluids from an infectedperson can cause the spread of this infection to parts other than the genital area, for example the eyes. Recurring infection ispossible, as the infected person does not enjoy full immunity against the infection.

Who is more prone to Chlamydia?

Young sexually active people with multiple sexual partners are prone to chlamydia. Among the vulnerable lot, the age group of 14 to 24 who are sexually active can come down with the disease very easily. Young women have an underdeveloped cervix and this makes them more prone to chlamydia.

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

Some of the below-mentioned symptoms in both men and women may call for an Anti-chlamydia IgM test.

Symptoms in women:
– Pain during sex
– Burning or pain during urination
– Smelly vaginal discharge
– Untimely bleeding between periods
– Abdominal pain in the upper right part
– Bleeding post sex
– Vaginal itch

Symptoms in men:
– Inflammation and pain around the testicles
– Burning or pain during urination
– Unexplained discharge from the penis

Who should ideally undergo this test?

If you have exhibited symptoms of chlamydia, then you will need to undergo this test. Your doctor may have ordered this the anti-chlamydia antibody IgM test if you fall under the below mentioned high-risk category for the infection.

– Homosexuality
– Multiple sex partners
– Unprotected sex
– Manifest symptoms of chlamydia
– Pregnant women
– Younger sexually active women
Regular testing at least once every year is necessary for those in the risk category of people to change their sexual partners.

Can chlamydia lead to serious health issues?

The chlamydia bacteria if left untreated can lead to a host of health issues in both men and women. It can cause infection of the reproductive organs and even be the cause of infertility in both men and women.

Further, It can lead to pelvic pain and inflammatory disease. It can create complications in pregnancy and the infection can be passed on to the fetus.

How is the Anti-Chlamydia antibody IgM screening test performed?

The anti-chlamydia antibody test is performed as blood tests, urine tests, vaginal swabs, and urethral swabs.The tests are fairly simple and do not take much time for completion.

Blood test
The anti-chlamydia antibodyIgM test requiresa bloodsample for testing. A lab technician or your doctor can perform the test.
To do the blood test the following procedure is followed.
– An elastic band is tied around your hand or forearm to spot the vein The site is disinfected using a disinfectant solution
– A needle attached with a tube is inserted at the site of the vein. A blood sample is drawn into the tube The needleis slowly pulled out and a cotton swab or gauze is pressed again the site to stop excessive bleeding or bruising.
– Patients do not feel the procedure and it gets over in no time. Some patents report feeling lightheaded. Chances of excessive bleeding or infection are very rare The blood sample is sent to the lab for testing
Swab cultures and urine tests happen to be the most reliable tests for diagnosing Chlamydia.

Swab cultures include rectal, vaginal,conjunctival and throat, urethral swab for males. A swab or abrush is used to collect the sample during male urethral and vaginal swabs.

Is there any preparation involved before this test?

You should discuss your medical history along with medications, supplements, vitamins, herbs or any illegal drugs that you take. You should not urinate at least one or two hours prior to giving a urine sample. The sample has to be the first catch urine. Your healthcare provider will advise you to stop the use of any vaginal creams before the swab

How long will it take to get my test results?

Most of the time the results are available in 2 or 3 days after giving the sample. It takes about a week to get the reports of a culture test.

What does my test result mean?

If your report is positive, it means you are a victim of the condition and you need treatment quickly.  This means your partner also needs to undergo this test to ascertain the presence or absence of infection.

If your report is negative, it means you did not have the infection at the time of the test. A routine checkup isnecessary especially among those who are at risk of the infection.

Can the test be done during pregnancy?

Those women at high risk of chlamydia should get themselves screened during pregnancy.

Some of the risk factors are unprotected sex, new partner, multiple sex partners or a partner who has suffered STD s in the past or has been a victim of chlamydia.

Women who plan pregnancy but carry these risk factors or have a history of chlamydia infections must undergo this screening tool before pregnancy.

Usually, the screening test for Chlamydia is performed during the first trimester along with prenatal screening. If diagnosed early in the pregnancy, treatment can cut the chances of transmission to the fetus.

Untreated chlamydia in pregnancy can cause life-threatening complications like inflammation of the eyes of the unborn baby or even pneumonia

Can children be tested for Chlamydia?

Chlamydia can afflict children.  Childbirth is a time the infection can get transmitted from the mother. This requires immediate treatment. Children can come down with pneumonia and infections of the eye. Left untreated, this condition can also be fatal. Timely treatment is necessary to control the infection. Treatment can be in the form of antibiotics, eye drops for eye infection or medicines.

What is the cost of Anti -chlamydia antibody test in India?

The price of the anti-chlamydia antibody test ranges from INR 1200 – 1750 in India, although the cost can vary with location and facility.