Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise in the United States, with an estimated 1.7 million new cases recorded in 2017 alone. Chlamydia is by far the most common of these STDs, affecting an estimated 1 in 20 sexually-active women between the ages of 14 to 24. According to the New York State Department of Health, Monroe County currently has one of the highest rates of chlamydia infection in the state.
While chlamydia typically responds well to antibiotics, it often causes no symptoms, leaving many infected individuals unaware that they have it. If left untreated, chlamydia can cause complications including pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and even infertility.
Currently, there is no approved vaccine to prevent chlamydia. However, a chlamydia vaccine in the early trial stages is showing promising results.
A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases assessed the safety and effectiveness of a Phase 1 clinical trial of a chlamydia vaccine tested on 35 women at London’s Hammersmith Hospital. The study was conducted by researchers at Denmark’s Statens Serum Institut (SSI) and Imperial College London.
The vaccine did not show any serious side effects, and the vaccinated test subjects generated protective antibodies and T-cells against chlamydia. One of the antibodies in particular, IgA, effectively blocks chlamydia in the early stages of infection.
Researchers will continue to test the vaccine in clinical trials. If it proves effective, they ultimately hope to combine it with the highly successful HPV vaccine, according to Professor Peter L. Andersen, head of SSI’s Center for Vaccine Research.
At South Avenue Women’s Services, we offer comprehensive advice and professional help for a variety of women’s health issues, including STD screening. Give us a call at (585) 271-3850 or contact us online to schedule a confidential appointment today!