Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development
08:50

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development

Published on: June 24, 2020

[Late debut of neonatal pneumonia caused by Chlamydia trachomatis]

Birgitte Johanne Schmidt1, Mette Nortman Hermansen

  • 1Børneafdelingen, Hillerød Hospital, Dyrehavevej 29, 3400 Hillerød, Denmark. bjs@dadlnet.dk

Ugeskrift for Laeger
|February 23, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Chlamydia trachomatis can cause interstitial pneumonia in newborns, even with other infections like RSV present. Early diagnosis is crucial for infants with respiratory issues.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) is a common cause of neonatal conjunctivitis and pneumonia.
  • Infants can acquire C. trachomatis during birth from an infected mother.

Observation:

  • A 2-month-old infant presented with respiratory symptoms, initially attributed to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
  • Further investigation revealed interstitial pneumonia caused by C. trachomatis as a co-existing or primary diagnosis.

Findings:

  • C. trachomatis was identified as the causative agent of interstitial pneumonia in the infant.
  • The presence of RSV did not preclude C. trachomatis as a significant pathogen.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering C. trachomatis in the differential diagnosis of infant respiratory distress, even with other identified pathogens.
  • Suggests that C. trachomatis screening may be warranted in infants presenting with pneumonia, particularly those with risk factors.
  • Emphasizes the need for comprehensive diagnostic approaches in neonatal respiratory infections.

Related Concept Videos

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...
Bacterial Phylum Chlamydiae01:29

Bacterial Phylum Chlamydiae

The phylum Chlamydiae or Chlamydiota is composed of a single order, Chlamydiales. This phylum consists entirely of obligate intracellular parasites that infect eukaryotic hosts. While human pathogens within this group have been studied extensively, the phylum encompasses many species capable of interacting with various eukaryotic organisms. Members of Chlamydiae are typically small cocci, approximately 0.5 μm in diameter, and exhibit a distinctive developmental cycle. As is characteristic of...
Sexually Transmitted Infections01:26

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
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...
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...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...