A55: Chlamydial lymphogranuloma (venereum)

You have become infected with certain bacteria. These bacteria are called chlamydia.

Bacteria occur everywhere in the environment. For example, bacteria can be transmitted by air or skin contact. Some bacteria frequently cause diseases if you come into contact with them. Other bacteria can also live on the skin or in the intestines without making us sick. However, you can be weakened by other medical conditions. In that case, you can also fall ill as a result of these otherwise harmless bacteria.

There are various kinds of chlamydia. You have been infected with a type of chlamydia that is especially common in Asia, Africa and South America. Chlamydia has caused you to have a sexually transmitted disease.

There are diseases that are particularly transmitted during sex. These diseases are also called sexually transmitted diseases. They are usually caused by specific pathogens. The pathogens can for instance be transmitted via vaginal fluid or semen. The pathogens may also be transmitted from a sick mother to her new-born child when she gives birth.

With the sexually transmitted disease caused by chlamydia, you can have various symptoms. For example, the lymph nodes may be swollen and painful. The lymph nodes are small bean-shaped objects. They are found throughout the body. Lymph nodes filter the tissue fluid. They are part of the defense system. The skin in the groin may also be reddened. You may also feel feeble. Fever or joint pain are also possible sometimes.