Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in acute exacerbations of COPD

Eur Respir J. 1993 Jan;6(1):19-22.

Abstract

Chlamydia pneumoniae, strain TWAR, is a frequent causative agent of acute respiratory disease. We assessed the incidence and prevalence of Chlamydia pneumoniae infections in COPD. We studied, from January 1990 to May 1991, 142 out-patients with acute purulent exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 114 healthy control subjects. Oropharyngeal swab specimens were collected at each exacerbation and analysed using a high definition monoclonal indirect fluorescent antibody test for Chlamydia pneumoniae identification. Immunoglobulins G and M (IgG and IgM) fractions of antibodies to Chlamydia pneumoniae were studied by microimmunofluorescence test. Prevalence of specific IgG was 63% in COPD, and 46% in controls (Chi-squared test p = 0.007). Moreover, mean titre of IgG was significantly higher in COPD than in controls. Five patients were positive for specific IgM (> or = = 1:16), and one had a fourfold increase of IgG titre; four of these patients had been treated with ciprofloxacin 1 g.day-1 for 10 days, and two with erythromycin, 3 g.day-1 for 14 days, with remission of signs and symptoms of exacerbation. Chlamydia pneumoniae identification was always negative. Our data suggest that Chlamydia pneumoniae infection is a rather frequent event in COPD, since at least 4% of exacerbations may be associated with it.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood
  • Antibody Specificity
  • Chlamydia Infections / epidemiology*
  • Chlamydia Infections / immunology
  • Chlamydia Infections / microbiology
  • Chlamydophila pneumoniae* / immunology
  • Chlamydophila pneumoniae* / isolation & purification
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Lung Diseases, Obstructive / complications*
  • Lung Diseases, Obstructive / immunology
  • Lung Diseases, Obstructive / microbiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oropharynx / microbiology
  • Prevalence

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial