Description
The Chlamydia Trachomatis IgA test system is an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of IgA class antibodies to Chlamydia Trachomatis in human serum or plasma. C. Trachomatis is an intracellular parasite pathogen that is similar in cell wall structure to gram-negative bacteria. It is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the US with more than 4 million cases reported annually. The main sites of infection include the GU tract and rectum but conjunctivitis, perihepatitis and reactive arthritis may result. The infection is often asymptomatic, making it difficult to diagnose; as many as 2/3 of infected women are asymptomatic. Women develop mucopurulent cervicitis, and irregular menstrual bleeding or abdominal pain may occur in about 40% of these women. PID is found in about 5% of women. The infection is usually symptomatic in men with dysuria and white/clear discharge occurring. Epididymitis is common. The infection incubates in 7 to 21 days and is commonly found with a second STD pathogen. IgG and IgA antibodies to C. trachomatis can be detected with 2-4 weeks after exposure. IgG remains positive, but the antibody level can drop overtime. ELISA can detect C. trachomatis IgM antibody for many months after infection.