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Evidence for Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in steroid-dependent asthma

D L Hahn1, D Bukstein, A Luskin

  • 1Dean Medical Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.

Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology : Official Publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
|February 25, 1998
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Chlamydia pneumoniae infection may worsen steroid-dependent asthma. Antibiotic treatment with azithromycin or clarithromycin helped patients discontinue oral steroids and maintain asthma control.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Chlamydia pneumoniae is an intracellular respiratory pathogen.
  • Potential role of C. pneumoniae in asthma suggested by seroepidemiologic studies.
  • C. pneumoniae can cause persistent infections.

Observation:

  • Study evaluated antimicrobial treatment in steroid-dependent asthma patients with C. pneumoniae infection.
  • Three patients with poorly controlled asthma despite steroid use were included.
  • All patients met serologic criteria for current or recent C. pneumoniae infection.

Findings:

  • Prolonged treatment (6-16 weeks) with clarithromycin or azithromycin.
  • All patients discontinued oral steroids post-treatment.
  • Sustained asthma control with inhaled therapy for 3-24 months.

Implications:

  • C. pneumoniae infection may contribute to steroid-resistant asthma symptoms.
  • Consider serologic testing for C. pneumoniae in such patients.
  • Antibiotic therapy trial may benefit patients with high antibody titers.

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