Over a 24 hour period, these reticulate bodies divide and begin to reorganize back into elementary bodies. About 48-72 hours after infection, the cell is lysed and numerous infectious elementary bodies are released. The pathogenic mechanisms employed by Chlamydia are not well understood. C. trachomatis is spread via the fingers to the urogenital area and vis versa . In contrast, C. psittaci is acquired from infected birds, usually via the respiratory route.
Trachoma is an infection of the epithelial cells of the conjunctiva, producing inclusion bodies.
Inclusion conjunctivitis is a milder form that occurs in both children and adults. This form generally heals without scarring or blindness. In 1997, approximately 320,000 cases were reported to the Centers for Disease Control. Chlamydia induce interferon and are sensitive to it. During infection, antibodies are synthesized but recovery is not generally protective.