Chlamydia: cream prevents infection

Lisa Vogel studied departmental journalism with a focus on medicine and biosciences at Ansbach University and deepened her journalistic knowledge in the master's degree in multimedia information and communication. This was followed by a traineeship in the editorial team. Since September 2020 she has been writing as a freelance journalist for

More posts by Lisa Vogel All content is checked by medical journalists.

Will there be a preventive cream for chlamydia in the future? A new active ingredient prevents the bacteria from penetrating the mucous membrane cells of the sexual organs. The product does well in the laboratory.

To get rid of a chlamydial infection, antibiotics are necessary. But it would be much better not to get infected in the first place. This saves the patient the need for therapy and counteracts the further spread of antibiotic resistance."People who cannot be treated with conventional means benefit from it in particular," says lead author Prof. Emmanuel Ho from the Canadian Waterloo School of Pharmacy.

The new remedy works differently: Instead of fighting the bacteria after infection, it prevents them from even penetrating the cells where they multiply.

No entry for chlamydia

Normally, chlamydia bacteria attach to the body's cells via a so-called receptor. This is a special protein on the cell surface that enables them to enter the cell. Once the bacteria have penetrated, they multiply.

Ho's scientists developed a short genetic sequence, a so-called small interfering RNA, or siRNA for short. It blocks a certain gene (PDGFR gene) in the genital tract, which prevents the formation of the receptor protein in the first place. The chlamydia have no entry ticket to the cells and they cannot multiply.

Can be used as a cream

"The treatment with the siRNA could take the form of a cream or gel," says lead author Ho to Applied to the penis or intravaginally, men and women could prevent chlamydial infection before intercourse.

65 percent success rate

Even 48 hours after using the siRNA, infection is less likely despite contact with the pathogen. In tests, a single application was able to protect 65 percent of the test cells from the ingress of bacteria.

The investigations with the siRNA have so far only taken place in the laboratory. “There have not yet been any tests on humans or animals,” says Ho. It will be several years before the drug is available, according to the scientist.

If left untreated, there is a risk of infertility

When infected with Chlamydia trachomatis, the bacteria usually attack the genital organs, less often the eyes or the respiratory tract. The infection usually occurs during unprotected sexual intercourse. It is tricky that many men have no symptoms despite being infected. They unsuspectingly spread the pathogen. If left untreated, chlamydial infection can cause infertility in both men and women.

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