Cystic fibrosis is thought to be a genetic defect in the CFTR gene, affecting mucosal epithelial cells; and gastrointestinal disease is a common co-morbid condition. Chlamydia trachoma attacks mucosal epithelial cells and spreads through macrophages. Mucosal epithelial cells are present throughout the body, lining the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive tract, joints, bladder, and vascular system. Chlamydia trachoma is present in the reproductive tract of approximately 20% of pregnant women. Respiratory trachoma infection is known to occur in infants under…..
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is thought to be a genetic disease, arising in infants and young children. In CF, the pulmonary epithelial cells are immunologically impaired, and lung tissue produces copious amounts of mucous, pus, and sputum, clogging the lung. CF patients have consolidation of pus in the lower lung, low oxygen levels, microscopic inclusion cysts, scarring in the lung, and co-morbid gastrointestinal disease. The average lifespan of a CF patient is 37 years old. Chlamydia pneumonia was found in CF…..
Cystic fibrosis is believed to arise from a biochemical genetic defect that reduces the ability to fight infections (gene therapy is currently being tested, at a proposed cost of $311,000 per year). Frequent lung infections are the hallmark of cystic fibrosis, without consideration of whether a lung infection is the disease; and the infection is causing an altered immune system, genetic defects, and endothelial damage. Cystic fibrosis is treated symptomatically, and patients suffer for a lifetime, may require a lung…..