Chlamydia pneumoniae infection
Chlamydia pneumoniae infection is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae and primarily affects the respiratory system, leading to conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, and pharyngitis. This infection can occur throughout the year and is responsible for approximately 10% of pneumonia cases acquired outside of hospital settings. The bacterium spreads through respiratory droplets, making crowded environments, such as schools and military barracks, potential hotspots for transmission.
Individuals over the age of 65 and those with weakened immune systems, such as people living with HIV or those on immunosuppressive medication, are particularly at risk. Common symptoms include headache, fatigue, fever, a persistent cough, and sometimes laryngitis, while some infections may present no symptoms at all. Diagnosis involves laboratory testing of respiratory samples and may include chest X-rays to check for pneumonia. Treatment typically consists of antibiotics, and preventive measures include maintaining good hygiene and quitting smoking to reduce pneumonia risk. Understanding these aspects is crucial for managing and preventing Chlamydia pneumoniae infections.
Chlamydia pneumoniae infection
- ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Lungs, respiratory system
Definition
Chlamydia pneumoniae infection is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae, which leads to pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, and pharyngitis. Infections with C. pneumoniae occur year-round.
Causes
C. pneumoniae infection causes up to 10 percent of the cases of pneumonia that are acquired outside hospitals and nursing homes. Infection is transmitted through droplets of respiratory secretions in the air.
Risk Factors
People who are over the age of sixty-five have the greatest risk for infection with C. pneumoniae. In addition, persons of all ages who are immunocompromised also have an elevated risk for infection. These persons include those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and those with organ transplants and who consequently must take immunosuppressant drugs to avoid the body’s rejection of the organ. Working or living in a densely populated environment, such as a school, hospital, or military barracks, is also a risk factor.
Symptoms
Headache is a common symptom of C. pneumoniae, as is lethargy. Persons with asthma often experience worsening symptoms, and recurrent infections with this bacterium may lead to the onset of chronic asthma in children and adults. The presence of laryngitis is the most common symptom differentiating persons with infection caused by C. pneumoniae versus infection caused by another bacterium. Fever is another common symptom, as are chills and muscle pain (myalgia). A persistent cough is another frequently occurring symptom. Some individuals may experience congestion or a runny nose. However, some persons have no symptoms because the infection is mild.
Screening and Diagnosis
This infection is diagnosed with nasopharyngeal swabs used to obtain samples; these samples are then cultured. A chest X-ray will show if a person has pneumonia, although the X-ray does not differentiate the type of pneumonia. A sputum culture test can identify C. pneumoniae. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) tests such as the polymerase chain reaction-enzyme immunoassay are used to identify the bacterium in some outbreaks, but these tests are not practical in diagnosing a person who is not associated with an outbreak of pneumonia. Diagnosis also is based on clinical symptoms.
Treatment and Therapy
Antibiotics such as azithromycin, doxycycline, clarithromycin, and roxithromycin are used for acute infections. If cough or malaise continues after a full course of treatment, the doctor may choose to prescribe a second course of treatment.
Prevention and Outcomes
Stopping a smoking habit decreases the risk for all forms of pneumonia, including infection with C. pneumoniae. Practicing proper hygiene is also effective.
Bibliography
"About Chlamydia Pneumoniae Infection." CDC, 30 Jan. 2024, www.cdc.gov/cpneumoniae/about/index.html. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.
Burllo, Almudena, and Bouza, Emilion. "Chlamydophila pneumoniae." Infectious Disease Clinics of North America, vol. 24, 2010, pp. 61-71.
Gautam, Jeevan, and Conrad Krawiec. "Chlamydia Pneumonia - StatPearls." NCBI, 8 Aug. 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560874. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.
Krüll, Matthias, and Norbert Suttorp. "Pathogenesis of Chlamydophila pneumoniae Infections: Epidemiology, Immunity, Cell Biology, Virulence Factors." Community-Acquired Pneumonia, edited by Norbert Suttorp, Tobias Welte, and Reinhard Marre. Birkhäuser, 2007.
Lutfiyya, M. Nawal, et al. "Diagnosis and Treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia." American Family Physician, vol. 73, 2006, pp. 442-450.
Wilkinson, Katie. "What Is Chlamydia Pneumoniae?" Verywell Health, 14 Nov. 2023, www.verywellhealth.com/chlamydia-pneumoniae-5222454. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.