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Asthma and chlamydial infection: a case series
1Arcand Park Clinic, Division of Dean Medical Center, Madison, WI 53704.
The Journal of Family Practice
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Chlamydia pneumoniae infection is linked to adult reactive airway disease, including new-onset chronic asthma and acute asthmatic bronchitis. This suggests the pathogen plays a role in wheezing illnesses.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Adult-onset asthma often follows respiratory symptoms, possibly indicating undiagnosed asthma or prior lung infections.
- Investigated the association between Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and adult reactive airway disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of atypical infections in patients presenting with acute wheezing and non-wheezing respiratory illnesses.
- To explore the link between Chlamydia pneumoniae and adult reactive airway disease.
Main Methods:
- Collected pharyngeal cultures and serology for C. pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae from 131 outpatients.
- Utilized spirometry and peak flow measurements to diagnose and assess asthma severity.
- Categorized patients into chronic asthma, acute asthmatic bronchitis, or non-wheezing illness groups.
Main Results:
- 9.2% of patients had chronic asthma, with 5 new diagnoses during the study.
- 22.9% had acute asthmatic bronchitis; 67.9% had non-wheezing illness.
- C. pneumoniae seroreactivity was significantly associated (P < .001) with both chronic asthma and acute asthmatic bronchitis compared to non-wheezing illnesses.
Conclusions:
- Acute wheezing is common in primary care, with some cases progressing to chronic asthma.
- Chlamydia pneumoniae seroreactivity is linked to both acute and chronic wheezing conditions.
- Pulmonary infection by C. pneumoniae may contribute to the development and progression of reactive airway disease.
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