Two family outbreaks of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection

Abstract

During autumn 1992, we observed two unrelated family outbreaks of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection. Family A consisted of grandmother (aged 77 yrs), father (aged 41 yrs), mother (aged 38 yrs), daughter (aged 10 yrs), and two sons (aged 6 yrs and 3 months, respectively). The grandmother and daughter suffered from pneumonia, father from pharyngitis and bronchitis and the older son from mild bronchitis. No symptoms were recorded in the mother and younger son. Symptomatic subjects showed a fourfold increase in immunoglobulin G (IgG) titre for Chlamydia pneumoniae, determined by a microimmunofluorescence test with specific antigen (TW-183). Other serological studies against Mycoplasma pneumonia, Legionella pneumophila, influenza virus type A and B, adenovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were negative. Sputum culture gave a positive result for Haemophilus influenzae, colony forming units (cfu) = 10(4).ml-1 in the grandmother. No serum positivity was recorded in the mother and younger son, who remained asymptomatic. All symptomatic patients were successfully treated with macrolides. Family B consisted of mother (aged 63 yrs) and daughter (aged 36 yrs). Both suffered from Chlamydia pneumoniae pneumonia. Diagnosis was made by means of serological microimmunofluorescence test, and direct identification using an indirect immunofluorescence test on pharyngeal swab. Sputum culture and other serological tests remained negative. Both patients were successfully treated with macrolides. These observations emphasize the relevance of Chlamydia pneumoniae in family cluster respiratory infections.

Outbreak of Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection in long-term care facilities and an affiliated hospital

“…The same observation has been reported in nursing homes and families (Blasi et al, 1994;Hagiwara et al, 1999;Troy et al, 1997). Troy et al (1997) suggested that the rapid spread of infection might be influenced by the close, compact living environment within nursing homes.…”

“…Outbreaks of C. pneumoniae in closed communities such as families, schools and military garrisons have been observed (Kuo et al, 1995;Yamazaki et al, 1990;Mordhorst et al, 1992;Blasi et al, 1994;Hagiwara et al, 1999;Kleemola et al, 1988;Ekman et al, 1993). We have also encountered outbreaks of C. pneumoniae in nursery schools, kindergartens, elementary schools and junior high schools (Kishimoto et al, 1994;Soda et al, 1997).…”

“…Troy et al (1997) suggested that the rapid spread of infection might be influenced by the close, compact living environment within nursing homes. Blasi et al (1994) also indicated that the rapid spread might be explained by living habits in which families lived in small flats, with high person-to-person contact. In our cases, most residents shared a room with two or three other residents, and several common areas including the dining room and rehabilitation room were shared among the residents.…”

“…Outbreaks of C. pneumoniae have occurred in closed populations including among families, university students, military trainees and in schools (Kuo et al, 1995;Yamazaki et al, 1990;Mordhorst et al, 1992;Blasi et al, 1994;Hagiwara et al, 1999;Kleemola et al, 1988;Ekman et al, 1993;Kishimoto et al, 1994;Soda et al, 1997). Such outbreaks among the younger population have been repeatedly observed.…”

Rifalazil and Other Benzoxazinorifamycins in the Treatment of Chlamydia‐Based Persistent Infections

“…Other studies have confirmed the presence of C. pneumoniae in atherosclerotic vascular tissue [47 -49]. Specific tissue identification of C. pneumoniae has been reported in the coronary arteries of both young and old patients [50,51], thoracic and abdominal aorta [52,53], aortic aneurysms [52,54], and carotid [55] and iliac [56] arteries. In addition, C. pneumoniae was detected in peripheral arteries from patients undergoing bypass operations for arterial obstructions [57].…”