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Chlamydia pneumoniae (TWAR)
C C Kuo1, L A Jackson, L A Campbell
1Department of Pathobiology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA.
Abstract:
Chlamydia pneumoniae (TWAR) is a recently recognized third species of the genus Chlamydia that causes acute respiratory disease. It is distinct from the other two chlamydial species that infect humans, C. trachomatis and C. psittaci, in elementary body morphology and shares less than 10% of the DNA homology with those species. The organism has a global distribution, with infection most common among children between the ages of 5 and 14 years. In children, TWAR infection is usually mild or asymptomatic, but it may be more severe in adults. Pneumonia and bronchitis are the most common clinical manifestations of infection, and TWAR is responsible for approximately 10% of cases of pneumonia and 5% of cases of bronchitis in the United States. The microimmunofluorescence serologic assay is specific for TWAR and can distinguish between recent and past infections. The organism can be isolated in cell culture; however, PCR techniques have recently facilitated its detection in tissues and clinical specimens.
Insights
Chlamydia pneumoniae (TWAR) causes respiratory illness globally, primarily in children. This distinct bacterium is linked to pneumonia and bronchitis, detectable via serology and PCR.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Chlamydia pneumoniae (TWAR) is the third identified species of Chlamydia, causing acute respiratory disease.
- It is genetically and morphologically distinct from C. trachomatis and C. psittaci, with less than 10% DNA homology.
- TWAR infection is globally distributed, with peak incidence in children aged 5-14 years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize Chlamydia pneumoniae (TWAR) as a distinct pathogen.
- To outline its clinical manifestations and epidemiological distribution.
- To describe diagnostic methods for TWAR infection.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of elementary body morphology and DNA homology.
- Epidemiological data collection on global distribution and age-specific incidence.
- Description of diagnostic techniques including microimmunofluorescence serology and PCR.
Main Results:
- TWAR is a distinct Chlamydia species causing respiratory illness, often mild or asymptomatic in children but potentially severe in adults.
- It is implicated in approximately 10% of pneumonia and 5% of bronchitis cases in the US.
- Microimmunofluorescence assays are specific for TWAR and differentiate infection stages; PCR enhances detection.
Conclusions:
- Chlamydia pneumoniae (TWAR) is a significant respiratory pathogen with a unique profile.
- Diagnostic tools like microimmunofluorescence and PCR are crucial for accurate identification.
- Understanding TWAR's distinct characteristics is vital for managing respiratory infections.