Chlamydophila pneumoniae

Abstract

Background : Chlamydophila pneumoniae infections are a common cause of acute respiratory diseases, including upper respiratory tract infections and pneumonia. Over the past few years, C. pneumoniae infections have been strongly related to atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Objective : The aim of this review is to offer an update and overview of recent advances in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of these infections. Methods : Diagnostic systems have improved but further progress is required to allow a reliable diagnosis to be made. This is especially true for atherosclerotic diseases, for which standard criteria need to be established. Results/conclusion : Polymerase chain reaction and serological methods need to be standardized and made better to improve the diagnosis of C. pneumoniae infections. It seems to be crucial to obtain new and more selective antigens associated with persistent infections to explain the participation of C. pneumoniae in coronary artery disease.