What’s chlamydial pneumonia?

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Chlamydia pneumonia is an infectious lung disease caused by any of the bacteria in the Chlamydia group. There are three different types of Chlamydia bacteria: C pneumoniae, C psittaci and C trachomatis. While C trachomatis is a common cause of STDs, babies can get the infection from their mothers and this sometimes develops into pneumonia. C psittaci causes an infection in birds that can be transmitted to humans, leading to Chlamydia pneumonia that can range from asymptomatic to severe. Chlamydial pneumonia caused by C pneumoniae tends to be milder in younger adults but can occasionally be more severe in older adults.

There are many different types of pneumonia and it can be caused by viruses, parasites and fungi as well as bacteria such as chlamydia. Of the three types of Chlamydia, C pneumoniae is the one that most commonly causes infections. In addition to causing Chlamydia pneumonia, it can cause minor illnesses such as bronchitis or inflammation of the airways.

Symptoms of Chlamydia pneumonia can vary depending on which of the Chlamydia bacteria is causing the infection. In the case of C pneumoniae, there may be no symptoms in mild cases, or the disease may initially appear similar to the common cold, with a runny nose, sore throat, and hoarse voice. Pneumonia symptoms of cough, weakness, and chest pain, sometimes accompanied by headache, may follow.

Symptoms of C psittaci pneumonia can develop up to two weeks after contact with infected birds. There is often cough, without phlegm, together with pain in the chest. In severe cases, the person may have a high fever and the infection can continue to affect the brain and the rest of the body, sometimes causing seizures.

At first, a stuffy or runny nose, shortness of breath, and cough may be observed in children infected with C trachomatis. Chlamydial pneumonia can develop later, and about half of children will have associated eye or ear infections. In most cases the disease is only mild but, if left untreated, there is a small risk of complications with severe breathing difficulties.

Treatment of Chlamydia pneumonia generally involves the administration of antibiotics, with different medications used for each strain of Chlamydia bacteria. Depending on the severity of the pneumonia, the person may need to be hospitalized and they may need pain relief, fluids, and oxygen. For older, more frail people and people with other medical conditions, hospital treatment is more likely.

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