Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 14, 2025
11:32
Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
15.4K
Where is Chlamydophila pneumoniae pneumonia?
1Department of Infectious, Respiratory, and Digestive Medicine, Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.
Respiratory Investigation
|July 25, 2020
Summary
Molecular diagnostics have shifted the understanding of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) pathogens. Chlamydophila pneumoniae appears to play a limited role in CAP, especially when detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- The advent of molecular diagnostics has prompted a re-evaluation of pathogen roles in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
- The significance of Chlamydophila pneumoniae as a CAP pathogen requires updated assessment.
- Viral pathogens are increasingly recognized in CAP etiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on Chlamydophila pneumoniae as a causative agent of CAP.
- To compare the diagnostic efficacy of different methods for identifying C. pneumoniae in CAP.
- To determine the actual contribution of C. pneumoniae to CAP based on current evidence.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed.
- Keywords "community-acquired pneumonia" and "pathogen" were employed to identify relevant articles.
- Articles reporting the frequency of C. pneumoniae identification as a CAP pathogen were reviewed.
Main Results:
- Sixty-three articles were included in the review.
- Identification rates of C. pneumoniae were significantly lower using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) compared to serological methods.
- Some studies allowed direct comparison of PCR and serological results on the same samples.
Conclusions:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods, including multiplex PCR, suggest a limited role for C. pneumoniae in CAP.
- The diagnostic approach significantly influences the perceived prevalence of C. pneumoniae in CAP.
- Current molecular evidence indicates Chlamydophila pneumoniae is not a major driver of CAP.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bacterial Phylum Chlamydiae
320
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...
320
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
596
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...
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...
596
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
2.2K
The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
2.2K
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
678
Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
678
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
3.1K
Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
3.1K
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
9.2K
Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
9.2K