Chlamydia pathogens are thought to include hundreds of different species of chlamydia; and different domestic and wild animals may carry unique species of chlamydia. Science has identified approximately 15 species; and each species has many serovars, or sub-types. Laboratories generally test for only three types of chlamydia—pneumonia, trachoma, and psittacosis; and seldom distinguish and report serovars.
We offer the following quote from the conclusion of a lengthy NIH article, supporting the principle that once a person acquires immortal pathogens, the war within begins:
“Understanding how Chlamydia spp. survive in the intracellular environment reveals the finely nuanced arms race between pathogens and their hosts…We are entering a new golden age in understanding the pathogenic mechanisms commandeered by this medically important and fascinating obligate intracellular pathogen.”