According to this study:
Chlamydia pneumoniae is a major cause of acute respiratory tract diseases in human and has been responsible for both endemic and epidemic pneumonia. In addition, this organism is thought to play some roles in other clinical manifestations, like coronary artery diseases, asthma and sarcoidosis
This is the first Saudi Arabian study that investigates the prevalence of this
organism in Saudi Arabia, its pathogenesis and immunological response. The
study employed a wide range of advanced techniques and methods, including
culturing ,detection by immunoflourescence, polymerase chain reaction (PCR),
electron microscopy, antichlamydial activity assays and the most recent advanced
technique of microarray technology. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Link to PDF File
King Saud University
Faculty of Science
Botany and Microbiology Department
“Thesis submitted for partial fulfillment of the requirement
of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in
Microbiology (Bacteriology) at the department of Botany
and Microbiology , King Saud University”
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Chlamydophila pneumoniae Infection
Chlamydophila pneumoniae Infection
College studentsClinical Features Pneumonia or bronchitis, gradual onset of cough with low-grade fever. Less common presentations are pharyngitis, laryngitis, and sinusitis. The spectrum of illness can range from asymptomatic infection to severe disease. Etiologic Agent The bacterium Chlamydophila (or Chlamydia) pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) is distinct from other Chlamydia species.
Incidence The overall incidence is unknown. Each year, an estimated 2-5 million cases of pneumonia and 500,000 pneumonia-related hospitalizations occur in the United States. Sequelae C. pneumoniae infection may be associated, by some investigators, with atherosclerotic vascular disease. Associations with Alzheimer's disease, asthma, and reactive arthritis have been proposed. Transmission Person-to-person transmission by respiratory secretions. Outbreaks can occur periodically, primarily in close-contact settings such as military barracks, college dormitories, long-term care facilities, or prisons. Risk Groups All ages at risk, but most common in school-age children. In the United States, about 50% of adults have evidence of past infection by age 20. Reinfection throughout life appears to be common.
Treatment Macrolides are often the first-line treatment; tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones are also effective. Surveillance No national or state surveillance exists. Trends Unknown. Improved diagnostic testing may lead to improved recognition of infection. Challenges There is a lack of standardized diagnostic methods. Isolation of the etiologic agent is difficult, so antibody tests using paired acute- and convalescent-phase sera have been used for diagnosis. There are no known methods to prevent possible sequelae. The role of C. pneumoniae in atherosclerotic vascular disease needs further definition. Postinfection carriage of C.pneumoniae can occur for up to 8 weeks. Opportunities To apply new laboratory methods, such as real-time polymerase chain reaction, and to evaluate association between C. pneumoniae infection and atherosclerosis, as well as other chronic diseases.
Page last reviewed: February 7, 2014
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