Chlamydia cells and other bacteria cells have only ribosome and storage granules (2).
Different bacteria can reproduce in many ways. One way they produce, which is the method by which Chlamydia produces, is by means of binary fission (7). This is a process by which one cell divides into two similar cells. The circular bacterial DNA replicates and then a transverse wall is formed by and in growth of both the plasma membrane and the cell wall (1). This process can occur in less than twenty minutes if the conditions permit, however, most bacteria need approximately two to three hours to generate (7). Bacteria also are able to reproduce a-sexually by fragmentation or budding. In fragmentation walls develop in the cell and it eventually divides into several new cells. In budding a cell develops a bud that enlarges, matures and separates from the mother cell (1).
Chlamydia has three species that include the following: trachomatis, C psittaci, and C pneumonia. Stereotypes A, B, and C trachomatis are the causes of the blinding disease trachoma. Stereotypes D to K are sexually transmitted and cause many problems in men and women (5). Chlamydia is estimated the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease with three to four million new cases each year (6). The disease is spread from sexual contact with an infected partner. Chlamydia is spread almost entirely by anal, oral, or vaginal sex. Some infections are spread to women; however, Chlamydia is mainly transmitted from male homosexual contact (2).
Not only is Chlamydia transferred sexually but it is also possible for pregnant women to pass the bacteria to their infant during birth. These bacteria can cause the baby to be born with pneumonia, an eye infection such as Conjunctivitis, or an ear infection. All of these can lead to death or serious long-term problems (3).
Many people can be infected and not even be aware of it. If the symptoms are present they may appear in a week to several years after infection.