What is Chlamydia pneumoniae?

Chlamydia pneumoniae is a bacterium which can cause a variety of respiratory tract illnesses, including pharyngitis (sore throat), sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia..

Who gets Chlamydia pneumoniae?

Anyone can get Chlamydia pneumoniae, but it is more common in school-aged children. By the age of 20, 50% of the U.S. population has evidence of past infection.

How is Chlamydia pneumoniae spread?

The method of spread is not clearly known, but it is likely to be spread through respiratory droplets and exposure to respiratory secretions, which is similar to the way many other respiratory diseases are spread.

What are the symptoms of Chlamydia pneumoniae?

An individual infected with Chlamydia pneumoniae usually has a gradual onset of cough with little or no fever. Many individuals will go on to have mild pneumonia or bronchitis. Pharyngitis (sore throat), laryngitis and sinusitis may also occur. Illness is usually mild although approximately 50,000 individuals are hospitalized with this illness in the U.S. every year. Recovery is very slow, and cough can persist for 2 to 6 weeks.

How soon do symptoms occur?

Symptoms usually appear within 10 to 21 days, but symptoms may take much longer to develop.

How is Chlamydia pneumoniae diagnosed?

No reliable diagnostic test is available commercially. Chlamydia pneumoniae can be diagnosed by specific blood tests (serology) or by culture in special laboratories. Diagnosis is usually made based upon clinical symptoms.

What is the treatment for Chlamydia pneumoniae?

Specific antibiotics, such as eyrthromycin or tetracycline, should be prescribed by a physician to treat Chlamydia pneumoniae.

How long is an infected person infectious to others?

It is not clear how long an infected person is infectious to others but it is presumed to be prolonged based upon military outbreaks which have lasted as long as 8 months.

Should an infected person be excluded from work or school?

Under ordinary circumstances, it should not be necessary to exclude an infected person from work or school.

How can Chlamydia pneumoniae be prevented?

• Practice good handwashing habits and good personal hygiene.
• Avoid crowded living conditions.