A new respiratory tract pathogen: Chlamydia pneumoniae strain TWAR
Article Abstract:
Three different species of Chlamydia have been identified: Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis), C. psittaci, and C. pneumoniae. The most recently identified is C. pneumoniae, also called TWAR (letters identifying specific laboratory cases of Chlamydia infection). C. pneumoniae and C. trachomatis cause disease in humans, while C. psittaci mainly infects birds and lower mammals. C. pneumoniae has been associated with pneumonia, bronchitis, pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx) and sinusitis (inflammation of sinus membranes). C. trachomatis causes trachoma (inflammation of the eye mucous membranes and lid) and sexually transmitted diseases. The different species of Chlamydia can be identified from blood samples using a technique called microimmunofluorescence. This involves labeling an antigen, specific for one type of Chlamydia, with fluorescein (a fluorescent marker). The fluorescent antigen binds to and allows the visualization of antibodies specific for one type of Chlamydia. TWAR endemics and epidemics have been identified in North America and Scandinavia. Transmission of TWAR infection occurs from person to person and appears to be less common within the home, and more common in the military and in schools and other institutions. Chlamydia infections are treated most effectively with tetracycline and erythromycin. Recurrent infections are most common with TWAR, and in the case of C. trachomatis can result in scarring of the eyes and fallopian tubes, and can cause infertility. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Infectious Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0022-1899
Year: 1990
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Culture-negative endocarditis probably due to Chlamydia pneumoniae
Article Abstract:
Infections due to Chlamydia species TWAR strain (C-TWAR) generally result in pulmonary disease and seldom cause endocarditis (inflammation of the membrane lining the heart). When endocarditis results, positive blood cultures are rarely produced. A case of culture-negative endocarditis is described in a 59-year-old male patient with aortic stenosis who was admitted to the hospital for elective valve replacement. He reported a history of rash on his hands and feet, night sweats, chills, fever, and a cough producing whitish-colored sputum. The rash appeared on the trunk and shoulders just prior to admission. Blood and bone marrow cultures were negative for pathogens. Other laboratory findings were consistent with a diagnosis of endocarditis, and the antibody titer to Chlamydia group antigen was positive. The patient was diagnosed with culture-negative endocarditis, probably due to Chlamydia, and he was treated with the antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline. Clinical findings and postsurgical examination of tissue were consistent with a diagnosis of endocarditis. Further serological studies confirmed the presence of antibody to the TWAR strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Infectious Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0022-1899
Year: 1990
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Association of prior infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae and angiographically demonstrated coronary artery disease
Article Abstract:
People who smoke and have been infected with the bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae may have a higher risk of developing coronary artery disease. Blood samples from 171 individuals with documented coronary artery disease were tested for antibodies to the bacterium. In addition, 120 healthy individuals were tested. Individuals with antibodies to the bacterium were more than twice as likely to have coronary artery disease as those who did not. However, this increased risk was found only in smokers. Smokers with antibodies to the bacterium were more than three times as likely to have coronary artery disease as smokers who had no bacterial antibodies. Some researchers believe that an infection could damage arteries, which could lead to atherosclerosis. Chlamydia pneumoniae often infects the lungs. Most people recover, but smokers may be at risk for repeated lung infections.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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Tanya Wheeler
clinical symptoms were mostly very red eyes following working in an arena with lots of cats so we thought perhaps from the cats. However, they cultured Chlamydia almost 5 years ago now. In the meantime - He was considered sterile at age 2 - do this was before the red eye occurrence.
He is now 9 and we see the red eyes re-occurring all the time. Has been treated with tetracycline topical and oral in past years. What has also worked and seems to work best is colloidal silver dropped into the eye and it will subside for s month or months at a time - always to recur. I think he has more systemic symptoms. In addition the dog has a bit of a cough - intermittantly as well. We now have three more dogs exhibiting redness in eyes. One is sister and the other 2 are her daughters.
Please any help - We are not sure what sample we should send to a clinic for testing or where to send for diagnosis - and also unsure of treatment. I hear of complications with respiratory issues, and other problems. He is a very accomplished dog who could have had a nice career as a stud dog but that is too late.
Thanks - T -