Incidence of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in vertically HIV-1 infected children

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R Cosentini1, S Esposito, F Blasi

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Milano, Milan, Italy.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|December 29, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Chlamydia pneumoniae infections are more common in vertically HIV-1 infected children. Lower CD4+ counts and higher p24 antigen levels were linked to Chlamydia pneumoniae seroconversion in these children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Chlamydia pneumoniae is a common respiratory pathogen.
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection impacts immune function, increasing susceptibility to infections.
  • Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in vertically HIV-1 infected children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the seroconversion rate of Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies in vertically HIV-1 infected children.
  • To identify factors associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae seroconversion in this population.
  • To explore the role of Chlamydia pneumoniae in RTIs among vertically HIV-1 infected children.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of blood samples from 26 vertically HIV-1 infected children and 14 seroreverter controls over 3 years.
  • Serological testing for Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies.
  • Assessment of CD4+ cell counts and p24 antigen levels at enrollment.
  • Correlation of seroconversion with clinical signs and symptoms of acute respiratory infection.

Main Results:

  • Chlamydia pneumoniae seroconversion occurred in 13 of 26 (50%) vertically HIV-1 infected children, compared to 1 of 14 (7%) in the seroreverter group (P=0.013).
  • Lower mean CD4+ cell count and positivity for p24 antigen at enrollment were significantly associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae seroconversion.
  • Eight of the 13 HIV-1 infected children with seroconversion reported signs/symptoms of acute respiratory infection preceding sample collection.

Conclusions:

  • Vertically HIV-1 infected children exhibit a higher rate of Chlamydia pneumoniae seroconversion.
  • Immune status, indicated by CD4+ cell count and p24 antigen, influences Chlamydia pneumoniae susceptibility in HIV-1 infected children.
  • Chlamydia pneumoniae may play a role in the pathogenesis of respiratory tract infections in vertically HIV-1 infected children.

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