What are Chlamydia/Chlamydiae Bacterium?

Even though the Chlamydiae (nonmotile parasites) were initially classified as viruses, they are now reclassifed as gram-negative bacteria.

Chlamydia bacterium are divided into three species: C. psittaci, C. pneumoniae, and C. trachomatis. Chlamydia pneumoniae was previously called TWAR, and is now better known by its new name Chlamydophila pneumoniae.

Chlamydia Pneumoniae not only causes respiratory complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and pharyngitis in young children, it is also known to cause nonrespiratory clinical syndromes, including neurologic diseases such as meningoencephalitis. C. pneumoniae has also been detected in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, and some association has been made between Chlamydia and multiple sclerosis. Chlamydia pneumoniae infections have also been correlated with atherosclerotic vascular disease.

What is Chlamydia Pneumonia?

It is a community-acquired pneumonia, mostly affecting young children, and young adults.

Chlamydia Pneumonia Symptoms:

Most of the C. pneumoniae infections are initially asymptomatic, but as the disease progresses, the symptoms may include: Chest radiographs indicative of bilateral interstitial infiltrates, Cough, Peribronchial cuffing, Hyperaeration, Nasal Congestion, Tachyapnea, Respiratory distress, and Crackeling (but no wheezing) breathing sounds.

Chlamydia Pneumonia Diagnosis:

Considering that it is difficult to isolate this bacterium, antibody tests are primarily relied upon for diagnosing Chlamydia Pneumonia. C. pneumoniae–specific MIF immunoglobulin G (IgG) count above 1:512, the IgM levels elevated above 1:32, and elevated Alkaline phosphate levels are typically noted. Chest radiographs are usually suggestive of a single subsegmental infiltrate in the lower lobes.

Chlamydia Pneumonia Treatment:

Most Chlamydia Pneumonia infections in children and young adults are generally quite mild and do not require hospitalization. If the patients do not seek and recieve treatment in a timely manner, the disease could progress, leading to a severe condition. Life-threatening cases of Chlamydia Pneumonia occur -almost exclusively -in elderly people with other pre-existing health complications. Chlamydia Pneumonia treatment may include: Tetracyclines (usually not prescribed for pregnant patients), Macrolides, Doxycycline, Trythromycin, and in some cases Fluoroquinolones.

How common is Chlamydia Pneumonia?

This is a fairly common type of pneumonia that affects a majority of young adults (under 20 years of age) in the United States every year.

Preventing Chlamydia Pneumonia Transmission/Reinfection:

Chlamydia Pneumonia gets transmitted from person to person when one comes in close contact with (or inhales) respiratory secretion droplets of an infected person.

Currently, there is no known way to help a Chlamydia Pneumonia patient prevent reccuring episodes of this lung disease. Once infected with Chlamydia Pneumoniae bacterium, most patients experience recurring episodes of Chlamydia Pneumonia throughout their life.

Chlamydia Pneumonia Prognosis:

The severity of this lung disease can range from mild asymptomatic infection to a full-blown, severe lung disease. Most patients respond to outpatient treatment. For some geriatric patients with suffering from other pre-existing conditions, Chlamydia Pneumonia disease prove to be fatal. Currently there are are no known methods to prevent transmission of community-acquired infection, or to prevent possible sequelae.

Don't forget to check out Lung Disease News section of this website for the latest Chlamydia Pneumonia Treatment News and our Lung Disease Articles Library for the latest Chlamydia Pneumonia related articles.

Note: Consult a qualified medical practitioner if you suspect lung disease. Information published at this mesothelioma lung disease asbestos cancer forum - or most other websites for that matter - should not be relied upon for health decisions. The information presented on this web site is not intended as a substitute for medical care, medical, legal, or professional advise. Please talk with your healthcare provider for all your health concerns.