Can You Get Chlamydia From Eating Salmon? The Facts

Can Salmon Carry Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects both men and women. It is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis and is spread through unprotected sex with an infected partner. But can you get chlamydia from eating salmon? Let's take a closer look at chlamydia and salmon to find out.

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is one of the most prevalent STIs worldwide. In the United States alone, over 1.7 million cases were reported in 2017. It often has no symptoms, so many infections go undiagnosed and untreated.

The bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis causes chlamydia infection. There are different strains of this bacteria that infect different parts of the body:

• Chlamydia trachomatis serovars D-K - infect the genital tract and cause genital chlamydial infection
• Chlamydia trachomatis serovars L1-L3 - infect the lymphatic system and cause lymphogranuloma venereum
• Chlamydia trachomatis serovars A-C - infect the eyes and cause trachoma

Genital chlamydial infection is the most common form. Without treatment, it can lead to long-term complications like pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and chronic pelvic pain.

How is Chlamydia Spread?

Chlamydia is spread through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected partner. The bacteria live in semen and vaginal fluids and are transmitted through contact with affected areas.

Less commonly, a mother can pass chlamydia on to her baby during childbirth. This can cause eye infections or pneumonia in newborns.

You cannot get chlamydia from casual contact like hugging or sharing food or drinks with an infected person. The bacteria do not survive long outside the human body.

What are the Symptoms of Chlamydia?

The majority of chlamydial infections have no symptoms, especially in women. When symptoms do occur, they may show up anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks after exposure.

In women, the most common symptoms of chlamydia are:

• Increased vaginal discharge
• Burning sensation while urinating
• Bleeding between periods
• Pain during sex
• Lower abdominal pain

In men, symptoms can include:

• Burning sensation during urination
• Watery or milky discharge from the penis
• Pain and swelling in one or both testicles

Rectal infections with chlamydia may cause discharge, bleeding and discomfort in both men and women.

How is Chlamydia Diagnosed and Treated?

Chlamydia is diagnosed through simple lab tests that detect the bacteria's DNA or antigens in urine samples or genital swabs. Many health organizations recommend regular chlamydia screening for sexually active women under 25.

Chlamydia is easily treated with oral antibiotics, usually azithromycin or doxycycline. All sex partners should also be informed, tested and treated to prevent reinfection. It is important to finish the entire course of antibiotics, even if symptoms resolve quickly.

Can You Get Chlamydia From Eating Salmon?

Now that we've reviewed chlamydia, the big question remains - can you contract this common STI from eating salmon? The short answer is no. Here's why:

Salmon Don't Carry Chlamydia Bacteria

Chlamydia in humans is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. Salmon and other seafood do not harbor this bacteria in their meat or carry it on their skin/scales.

Fish are cold-blooded animals whose average body temperature is around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas humans are warm-blooded with an average temperature around 98.6 F. C. trachomatis bacteria cannot survive or multiply at such cold temperatures.

In addition, salmon live in water, an environment that does not support the growth of chlamydia bacteria. C. trachomatis is adapted to live inside the cells of the human reproductive and respiratory tracts.

Cooking Kills Any Potential Bacteria

Proper cooking kills any disease-causing organisms that may be present in fish or shellfish. The FDA recommends cooking seafood to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is hot enough to destroy any bacterial pathogens, including chlamydia bacteria if they were present.

As long as you cook your salmon thoroughly until it flakes and is opaque throughout, you do not have to worry about any bacterial illnesses.

Chlamydia is Not Spread Through Food

Chlamydia is not considered a foodborne illness. It is primarily transmitted through sexual contact with an infected partner.

Some foodborne illnesses like salmonella and E. coli are spread through contaminated food and water. But chlamydia needs to directly infect the epithelial cells lining the reproductive tract or eyes in order to multiply and cause infection.

Eating salmon that came in contact with an infected person would not transmit the chlamydia bacteria through the gastrointestinal system.

Proper Food Handling and Cooking Prevent Bacterial Infections

While salmon does not carry chlamydia, it can potentially harbor other foodborne pathogens if handled improperly. Here are some tips to keep in mind when handling salmon and other raw seafood:

Purchase Salmon from Reputable Sources

Always buy salmon and seafood from known, reputable vendors. Poor aquaculture practices and unhygienic processing increase the risk of contamination.

Cook Thoroughly

Cook salmon to an internal temperature of 145 F to kill any potential bacteria present. Check for opacity and flakiness to ensure it is cooked through.

Prevent Cross-Contamination

Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw salmon versus ready-to-eat foods. Wash hands, surfaces and tools that touched raw salmon before using again.

Store Properly

Keep raw salmon chilled at less than 40 F until ready to cook. Discard leftover salmon within 2 days.

Practice General Food Safety

Adhere to overall food safety guidelines like avoiding the use of contaminated water to rinse or prepare salmon. Take care when handling any raw meat, poultry, seafood or eggs.

The Bottom Line

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection. Salmon and other seafood do not harbor the chlamydia bacteria or serve as a source of infection.

Properly cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145 F kills any potential foodborne pathogens. Practicing general food safety when handling raw salmon or other seafood helps prevent more common bacterial infections like salmonella.

So can you get chlamydia from eating salmon? No, rest assured that eating fully cooked salmon is not a risk factor for chlamydia or other STIs.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.