A pilot study of Chlamydia trachomatis pneumonia in infants

Chlamydia trachomatis is currently recognized as one of the most common sexually transmitted pathogen and a major cause of perinatally acquired infection. Vertical transmission of infection from mother to the infant may result in the development of conjunctivitis and pneumonia. The study was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence of C. trachomatis pneumonia and to identify its clinical manifestations. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected from 50 infants (4-24 weeks of age) with pneumonia. C. trachomatis was detected in nasopharyngeal aspirates by direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) staining. Using DFA, C. trachomatis was found in 12.5% of infants. C. trachomatis pneumonia was associated with the age group of 4-12 weeks, cough of more than 7 days duration, presence of conjunctivitis, milder grade of pneumonia and absence of fever. The study showed a high prevalence of C. trachomatis pneumonia in infants.