Severe acute asthma caused by Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection

Asthma exacerbation is associated with respiratory infections, including those by viruses and atypical bacteria. We herein report a case of severe acute asthma in an adult caused by Chlamydophila pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) infection. A 39-year-old woman without a history of asthma reported to the emergency department with progressive worsening of cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing with low oxygen saturation. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed patchy ground-glass opacity and bronchial wall thickening. She was treated with systemic corticosteroids, inhaled short-acting β2 agonists, aminophylline, doripenem, and levofloxacin. Through successful treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU), her condition and the chest X-ray and CT findings improved. Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection was confirmed by elevated paired serum C. pneumoniae-specific IgA antibodies. Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection is an important cause of severe acute asthma. On CT, findings typical of C. pneumoniae pneumonia were noted.