Can koalas get chlamydia

Answer 1

It is not certain how koalas have come to be infected with Chlamydia. The most recent research has suggested that it originated from amphibians such as frogs.

Answer 2

Yes. One of the major threats to koala populations is chlamydia. It renders the females infertile.

The chlamydia affecting koalas is different from the one that causes a sexually transmitted diseases in humans. Koalas are infected with Chlamydia pecorum and Chlamydia pneumoniae. The chlamydia that causes an STD in humans is Chlamydia trachomatis. Having said that, however, people have contracted Chlamydia pneumoniae from koalas, which does not cause an STD, but instead results in respiratory disease.

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Answer 3

The chlamydia affecting koalas is different from the one that causes a sexually transmitted diseases in humans. Koalas are infected with Chlamydia pecorum and Chlamydia pneumoniae. Although the chlamydia that causes an STD in humans is Chlamydia trachomatis, the strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae can and has been transmitted to humans. It does not result in an STD in humans, but rather, in a quite common respiratory disease.

Chlamydia is a bacterium that can affect koalas in a variety of ways.

1. It can cause urinary tract infections, and also reproductive tract infections, which may render the animal infertile, meaning populations decrease because new joeys aren't born. An infected female that gives birth may also transmit the disease to the joey via the birth canal.

2. It causes conjunctivitis, which in turn can lead to blindness.

3. Reduced immunity of the koala may result in pneumonia.

Answer 4

Yes and no.

There are two strains of chlamydia affecting koalas. Koalas are infected with 'Chlamydia pecorum' and 'Chlamydia pneumoniae'. The chlamydia that causes an STD in humans is 'Chlamydia trachomatis'. However, 'Chlamydia pneumoniae' can be transmitted from koalas to humans, and when it does, it causes a respiratory disease, not a form of STD.

The only circumstances under which this would happen would be if a person were to pick up a koala and it urinated on them. Quite simply, no-one picks up a wild koala that may have the disease unless they are a registered wildlife carer or veterinarian, and these people are sensible enough to take the necessary precautions. Wild koalas rarely approach humans (usually only when they are extremely heat-stressed during prolonged heatwaves or amidst bushfires) and most Australians know not to pick them up if they do. Before the possibility of transmission was known, people did contract the respiratory form from koalas.

If you get chlamydia, herbal therapy like Diuretic and anti-inflammatory pill is prescribed for men.

Answer 5

No. The chlamydia which affects koalas has not yet been found to be transmissible between species.

Answer 6

Yes, koala* bears can get chlamydia