Chlamydia pneumoniae (TWAR)

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.

Inflammatory- and immune responses in relation to bacterial replication in mice following re-infections with Chlamydophila pneumoniae

“…Chlamydophila pneumoniae is known to cause a large spectrum of symptoms in the respiratory tract, ranging from an asymptomatic "carriage" state to severe pneumonia and has recently emerged as an important pathogen associated with atherosclerosis and asthma [1][2][3]. Particularly, most exacerbations of asthma requiring emergency room visits or hospitalization seem to be associated with acute bacterial and viral infection of the respiratory tract rather than exposure to allergens themselves.…”

Proteome analysis of theChlamydia pneumoniaeelementary body

“…Different biovars of C. trachomatis are the causative agents of sexually transmitted disease, trachoma and lymphogranuloma venereum. C. pneumoniae infects epithelial cells of the upper respiratory tract causing pneumonia and bronchitis [1]. Besides, C. pneumoniae has been suggested to play a role in atherogenesis by vascular infection.…”

Chlamydia pneumoniae infection of the central nervous system in multiple sclerosis

“…7 C pneumoniae was first described 10 years ago as a cause of pneumonia and is now implicated in several chronic diseases, including some such as Reiter's syndrome that are considered to be autoimmune. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Moreover, several recent reports have suggested the possibility of C pneumoniae infection in patients with undiagnosed encephalitis. 7,15 In 2 patients, magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities in the white matter were seen.…”