Chlamydia trachomatis Pneumonia in the Early Neonatal Period

Abstract

Background: Classically, Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) pneumonia is recognised 4 to 11 weeks after birth. However, some reports have described the early presentation associated with a respiratory signology, basically before 8 days of life. Objective: To describe in cases series the clinical behaviour, the characteristics of the laboratory examinations and the radiological alterations presented in nine patients less than 8 days with a positive culture for Ct during January 2005 through December 2007. Methods Ct was identified through culture of bronchial aspirates, using a sterile Dacron swab which was maintained in 0.2 mL of 2SP transport media (Sacarose phosphate pH 7.2, supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum and antibiotics). McCoy cells in culture were inoculated with this media. Identification of Ct was made by direct immunofluorescence using specific anti-Chlamydia monoclonal antibodies, and by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Results: Taquypnea, pulmonary reticulonodular infiltrate and eosinophilia were the most frequent clinical signs. No other microorganism was identified. Treatment with chlarithromycin was effective in all cases.Conclusions This study support the early pulmonary infection by Chlamydia trachomatis as an illness, which must be suspected and researched in the neonatal, above all in premature neonates, with clinical symptoms of respiratory distress, without data of systemic inflammatory response and with radiographic alterations.