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Culture-confirmed pneumonia due to Chlamydia pneumoniae
J F Campbell1, R C Barnes, P E Kozarsky
1Division of Bacterial Diseases, Centers for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia.
Abstract:
Diagnosis of infection caused by Chlamydia pneumoniae, a newly recognized respiratory pathogen, has proved difficult. Between July 1987 and April 1988, culture and serologic tests for C. pneumoniae were done on specimens from 49 patients with pneumonia seen at an Atlanta hospital emergency room. Cultures from 3 patients (6%) grew C. pneumoniae. Genus-specific Chlamydia complement fixation titers and microimmunofluorescence titers for C. pneumoniae were suggestive of acute infection in all 3 culture-positive patients. Three other patients had evidence of acute disease by published criteria for antibody titers. Most studies of C. pneumonia have not had culture-proven cases; the 6% rate of positive cultures in this study support the role of C. pneumoniae as a cause of pneumonia. More widespread availability of simplified culture systems for C. pneumoniae is needed. Caution should be used when interpreting serologic tests in the absence of culture confirmation.
Insights
Diagnosing Chlamydia pneumoniae infections is challenging. This study found a 6% culture-positive rate in pneumonia patients, supporting its role as a respiratory pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Chlamydia pneumoniae is an emerging respiratory pathogen.
- Accurate diagnosis of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection remains difficult.
- Limited data exists on the prevalence of Chlamydia pneumoniae in pneumonia cases.
Observation:
- A study was conducted on 49 pneumonia patients in an emergency room setting.
- Cultures and serologic tests were performed for Chlamydia pneumoniae.
- Specimens were collected between July 1987 and April 1988.
Findings:
- Chlamydia pneumoniae was successfully cultured from 3 patients (6% of cases).
- Serologic tests supported acute infection in culture-positive cases.
- An additional 3 patients showed serologic evidence of acute Chlamydia pneumoniae disease.
Implications:
- The 6% culture-positive rate supports Chlamydia pneumoniae's role in causing pneumonia.
- Simplified culture systems for Chlamydia pneumoniae are needed for wider availability.
- Serologic test interpretation requires caution, especially without culture confirmation.