How to fully clear up Chlamydia?

[rdupont50]

Hello all medical experts,

First of all, I got infected by Chlamydia (can see the symptom) and took a STD check up on beginning of 2010. The diagnosis result was Chlamydia positive (2.something in the Index).
Then I followed my doctor's prescription to take 12 tablets (@250 Mg) of Zhitromax, and the symptom was disappeared on 2nd day. I didn't go back again to check and believe everything was all right.
On June 2010, I did another STD check up and the found the evidence of Chlamydia again! it was 1.9 (gezzzz), then I took 6 tablets of Zhitromax, and did another check up on August, it's cleared (0.45)
In between August - 2 weeks ago, I had some protected. However, I did STD check up again 2 weeks ago and Chlamydia reoccurs again (but no symptom!), the index is at 1.7. I went to see the doctor again and he suggested me to take 6 tablets of Zhitromax again, and will have to return for another check up next month (January 2011).
So I am in the BIG confusion, can the chlamydia bacteria be totally wiped out from my body ? I don't want to be back and forth so many times, off course I'll practice a very safe sex. How many azithromycin tablets do I need to fully clear Chlamydia?
Thanks in advance.
Robert

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Like many blood tests for various infections, the chlamydia blood test does not detect infection itself; it detects only antibodies, i.e. the body's immune response to an infection.  Antibodies persist forever.  For chlamydia, it does not mean you still have an infection.  You cannot transmit something you don't have.

If you have not been sexually active since your last dose of azithromycin, it is impossible that you have caught a new chlamydial infection.  In that case, I recommend against a chlamydia urine test at any time, until and unless you become sexually active and therefore at risk.  Why waste money on a test that cannot possibly show anything?

That will have to end this thread.  Stop worrying about chlamydia.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

The chlamydia blood test is not intended to be used to diagnose active infection -- it only shows whether or not someone has ever been infected.   It is worthless in diagnosing gential chlamydia, because (as your report shows) it tests for past exposure to several types of chlamydia, most of which are not sexually transmitted.  If you were infected, you have had more than enough azithromycin (Zithromax) to cure it and you definitely should not take any more.  Stop having blood tests, which will remain positive your entire life.  If you ever are exposed again or otherwise need chlamydia testing, you need a test on urine or urethral swab.

I see no reason that your cholesterol would have any effect on the chlaymdia test, but maybe your doctor knows something I don't.

Bottom line:  there is no evidence you have ever had a genital chlamydial infection.  If you did, it has been cured.  Do not take any more antibiotic for it.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Welcome to the STD forum.

From the numerical results you provide, I believe you have been having blood tests for chlamydia. (Where are you? The chlamydia blood tests are rarely used in the US.)  Once positive, the blood test often remains positive for life.  You may not have had a genital chlamydial infection at the start, but if you did, the continuing positive result does not mean you still are infected.  If you were infected, it has been cured for sure; chlamydia always responds to the treatments you have had.

Regards--  HHH, MD

[rdupont50]

Hello Dr. HHH,
Looks like I had an excessive worry.. Your information obviously clears up my confusion on the report, thanks so much!
I'll take the Chlamydia test on urine this coming January to make sure no active genital infection and won't consume the 6 tablets of Zhitromax.

Doctor HHH, as you mentioned that I have the positive chlamydia in my blood for entire life, would it be possible affecting to my wife and descendants in the future? If so, I hope there's a way/technology to prevent it happens... I am a single man (haven't married yet), and want to have a healthy family someday.

I really appreciate your advice to my question. Thanks again doctor.

Sincerely,

Robert

[rdupont50]

Hello Doctor HHH,

I feel happy to see your answer. I am in Malaysia at the moment.

Just after I read your post, I immediately check my STD report.. I did the STD test in Singapore on August 2010, so probably they used different index/method to measure Chlamydia IgG.

That said, I am all right, Doctor? I worry some possibilities of azithromycin fail when treating Chlamydia.

Should I ask for Chlamydia assay on my urine or sperm ?

Here's the detail of my report (released by Gribbles Pathology 2 weeks ago)
http://www.gribbles.com.my/

HIV 1 and 2  Not detected (method: ECLIA)
RPR : Non Reactive
TPHA: Non Reactive
Herpes Simplex 1  IgG 0.0
Herpes Simplex 2  IgG 0.0
Chlamydia Species IgG 1.7 (inc: psittaci, trachomatis, pneumoniea).

Reference range:
Positive=  > 1.1
Borderline= 0.9 - 1.1
Negative=  <0.9

By the way, I have a high level of LDL Cholesterol, the local doctor said it's probably affecting my Chlamydia. I have a bit doubt on this...

Lipid studies:
LDL : 3.92 mmol/L
Triglyceride : 0.71 mmol/L
HDL : 1.35 mmol/L

Should I complete the 6 tablets of of Zhitromax again, and get them to also test my urine/sperm on coming January?

Doctor HHH, I worry that my body will build the Zhitromax resistant to Chlamydia if I keep consuming Zhitromax?

Looking forward to have your further insight and advice.

Thanks very much, Dr. HHH.

Regards,

Robert