Chlamydia’s history

You may believe that sexually transmitted infections in humans appeared a bit like a big bang, out of nowhere. However, the real truth is much more mysterious and historic than you might imagine. Gonorrhoea and syphilis have been known in history for centuries, but is chlamydia a more modern infection?

Chlamydia comes in two different forms, although both are caused by the same bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. One affects the eyes and the other affects the genitals.

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The earliest recorded descriptions of chlamydia affecting the eyes dates back to 1553 BC. Known as trachoma, there are references to it in papyri from Egypt. Therefore, it seems that man has struggled with the bacteria for a long time indeed, the disease spreading as civilization expanded and become more densely populated. For more information on Chlamydia Testing kits Greenwich, visit a site like

Information surrounding the infection only began coming to light in 1907. A scientist in Java began experimenting on young orangutans. It remained misdiagnosed and believed to be a virus for a long time. Not for another five decades would the bacteria be isolated and structured and appropriate scientific learning could occur.


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During the 1990s, genetic research finally revealed that there are different species and that the variety known as Chlamydia trachomatis likely split from its ancestors a whopping 700 million years ago! This information revealed that the bacteria may have been around and with us since the dawn of mankind.

Russell Henry


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