Strep Throat vs Chlamydia: What Sets Them Apart
Strep Throat is bacterial, primarily affecting the throat, whereas Chlamydia is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) with broader implications.
However, Strep Throat and Oral Chlamydia are bacterial infections affecting the respiratory tract.
The common symptoms of Strep Throat and Chlamydia, indicating an infection, are sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty swallowing.
Nevertheless, both are distinctly different.
This article does a Strep Throat vs Chlamydia analysis, helping to understand various aspects of the infections and their differences in great detail.
An overview of Strep Throat and Chlamydia
The table below does a Chlamydia vs Strep Throat comparison, underlining the difference between Chlamydia and Strep Throat.
| Characteristics | Chlamydia | Strep Throat |
|---|---|---|
Symptoms | Genital discomfort when infected with C.Trachomatis, respiratory symptoms when infected with C.Pneumonia | Tonsillitis, painful throat, red rash behind the mouth, and oftentimes enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or jaw |
Transmission | Primarily through sexual contact; and mother-to-child during childbirth | Through direct contact with contaminated surfaces and airborne respiratory droplets |
Diagnosis | A molecular test to observe the presence of genetic material | An antigen to find the Streptococcus |
Risk factors | Being sexually irresponsible for C.Trachomatis; being too young or very elderly for the pneumonia-form | Kids are more susceptible, especially during the winter |
Complications | Testicular inflammation in men and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in women in the case of C.Trachomatis; infected heart and brain in rare cases of C.Pneumonia | Rheumatic fever and kidney issues |
Treatment | Antibiotics like Doxycycline | Antibiotics like Penicillin and Erythromycin |
Difference between Strep Throat and Chlamydia
Chlamydia can be defined as an infection that can cause respiratory issues or impact the genitalia.
C. Pneumoniae or C. Trachomatis bacterial species is the causative agent.
Strep Throat can be defined as a bacterial infection in the mouth and throat area.
S. pyogenes bacterial species causes this infection.
The cell wall type of Chlamydia bacterial cells is gram-negative, whereas that of Streptococcus bacteria is gram-positive,
But what are the differences between Strep Throat and Chlamydia that common people should know?
The important differences have been discussed below.
Symptoms
Strep Throat and oral Chlamydia can both cause a sore throat, but there are some differences in the symptoms they cause.
The symptoms of Strep Throat include:
- Sudden onset: Strep Throat often strikes swiftly, with symptoms appearing suddenly, unlike a gradual onset seen in some viral infections
- Sore throat: A severe, persistent sore throat is a hallmark symptom, accompanied by difficulty swallowing
- Fever: High body temperature, often exceeding 101°F (38.3°C), is common
- Red tonsils with white patches: Redness in the throat and the presence of white patches on the tonsils
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck: C.Trachomatis can cause Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV), which is a chronic infection of the lymphatic system
Chlamydia, on the other hand, is often asymptomatic, making regular screenings crucial for early detection.
The symptoms of Chlamydia, including oral Chlamydia, though mostly asymptomatic, may include:
- Genital discharge and pain
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Transmission
The transmission of Strep Throat is possible through
- Airborne droplets: Strep Throat spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes
- Direct contact: Touching surfaces contaminated with the bacteria and then touching the face can also lead to transmission
The transmission of Chlamydia can happen through:
- Sexual contact: Chlamydia primarily spreads through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex
- Mother-to-Child transmission: Infected mothers can transmit Chlamydia to their newborns during childbirth
Strep Throat vs Chlamydia diagnosis
Strep Throat is usually diagnosed with a rapid strep test or a throat culture.
Performing a rapid strep test entails swabbing the rear of the throat and analyzing the sample to detect the existence of group A Streptococcus bacteria.
A throat culture involves taking a swab of the back of the throat and growing the bacteria in a lab to see if group A Streptococcus is present.
Chlamydia is diagnosed with a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT).
It involves taking a sample of cells from the throat or genital area and testing it for Chlamydia Trachomatis DNA.
Whether Strep Throat or Chlamydia is bothering you, antibiotics can treat them.
Use these medicines after a doctor consultation for bacterial infections:
Risk factors
Children are more vulnerable to Strep Throat than adults.
Therefore, children are more likely to have a sore throat, which is Strep Throat in the winter.
Where Chlamydia is concerned, C. Pneumoniae is spread by being near persons who are ill with the disease.
This virus poses a greater risk to the elderly and very young.
Because C. trachomatis is transmitted through intercourse, an individual’s risk of catching this STD increases with the number of partners they have.
Therefore, depending on the species, being promiscuous is a risk factor for oral or genital Chlamydia, and age when it comes to pneumonia form, are risk factor for Chlamydial infections.
Complications
Rheumatic fever and renal disease are two consequences that can arise from Strep.
Complications from a Chlamydia Trachomatis infection can include Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in women and testicular inflammation in men.
Although uncommon, C. Pneumoniae can cause an infection of the heart and brain or increase Asthma symptoms.
In a few rare circumstances, it can be fatal, resulting in death.
Strep Throat and Chlamydia treatment
Antibiotics, such as Penicillin or Amoxicillin, treat Strep Throat.
These antibiotics can help to reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent complications.
In addition, adequate rest and staying hydrated help the body recover more efficiently.
Chlamydia of any type is also treatable with antibiotics like Azithromycin or Doxycycline.
Additionally, informing sexual partners allows them to seek prompt medical attention and prevent further transmission.
It is important to complete the antibiotics course to ensure the infection is completely cleared.
Conclusion
While Strep Throat and Chlamydia share some similarities in symptoms, they are two distinct bacterial infections affecting different body parts.
Strep Throat primarily affects the throat and tonsils.
At the same time, Chlamydia is an STI that can cause respiratory issues or impact the genitalia.
The symptoms of Strep Throat include a sudden onset of severe sore throat, fever, red tonsils with white patches, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Oral Chlamydia, on the other hand, is often asymptomatic but may include sore throat, genital discharge and discomfort, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Both infections have different modes of transmission, diagnosis, and treatment options.
It is crucial to understand the differences between Strep Throat and Chlamydia to prevent the spread of these infections and seek appropriate medical care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does oral Chlamydia go away?
Yes, oral Chlamydia can go away with treatment. Chlamydia in the mouth can be treated and completely removed with a simple course of antibiotics. The recommended treatment is Doxycycline, which is more effective than Azithromycin. It is important to follow the treatment regime properly to ensure the infection is removed.
Does Chlamydia come with a sore throat?
Chlamydia can cause a sore throat if the infection spreads to the throat through oral sex. However, most cases of Chlamydia are asymptomatic. If you suspect an infection, seeking a doctor’s advice and getting tested for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment is crucial.
Can Strep Throat be treated without antibiotics?
No. Antibiotics like Penicillin or Amoxicillin are commonly used for the treatment of Strep Throat to eliminate the bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus bacteria effectively. Antibiotics help prevent complications and reduce the duration of symptoms. It’s important to complete the prescribed course of antibiotics as directed by a healthcare professional.
Can you get Chlamydia from kissing?
Chlamydia is primarily a Sexually Transmitted Infection and is typically transmitted through sexual activities, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. While the risk of transmission through kissing is considered low, it’s not completely impossible if there’s contact with infected genital or oral fluids. Safe sexual practices and regular testing help prevent and manage STIs.
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