Related Experiment Videos

Chlamydia pneumoniae infection associated with uncontrolled asthma: a hospital based cross sectional study

Shally Awasthi1, Krishna Kumar Yadav, Jyotsna Agarwal

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University (CSMMU), Lucknow 226003, India. shallya@rediffmail.com

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|June 9, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Anti-Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cp) IgM positivity was higher in children with uncontrolled asthma. This finding suggests considering specific Chlamydia pneumoniae treatment in these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Childhood asthma affects millions globally, with uncontrolled cases posing significant challenges.
  • Chlamydia pneumoniae infections have been implicated as a potential trigger or exacerbating factor in respiratory illnesses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of anti-Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cp) IgM antibodies in children with uncontrolled and partly controlled asthma.
  • To identify clinical factors associated with anti-Cp IgM positivity in pediatric asthma patients.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 89 children (1-12 years) diagnosed with uncontrolled or partly controlled asthma based on GINA 2009 guidelines.
  • Anti-Cp IgM levels were measured using ELISA, with an antibody index ≥0.90 considered positive.
  • Data collection included demographics, clinical data, and chest radiographs.

Main Results:

  • Anti-Cp IgM positivity was significantly higher in children with uncontrolled asthma (25%) compared to partly controlled asthma (6.7%) (OR=4.67, p=0.017).
  • In uncontrolled asthma patients, anti-Cp IgM positivity correlated with a longer hospital stay (9 vs. 7.19 days, p=0.02).
  • Age over 5 years and radiological consolidation were associated with anti-Cp IgM positivity in uncontrolled asthma exacerbations.

Conclusions:

  • A notable proportion of children with uncontrolled asthma exhibit anti-Cp IgM positivity.
  • The association with radiological consolidation and longer hospital stays highlights the potential impact of Chlamydia pneumoniae.
  • These findings support the consideration of specific Chlamydia pneumoniae treatment in managing uncontrolled pediatric asthma exacerbations.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...