relevance of chlamydia pneumoniae infection to bronchial asthma in children

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to investigate the relevance of Chlamydia pneumoniae [C. pn.] infection to bronchial asthma in children. Serological analysis of C. pn. specific IgG and IgM antibodies using indirect immunofluorescence technique was attempted in 126 children 60 with acute asthma exacerbation, 24 stable asthmatics in-between the clinical attacks and 42 age and sex matched healthy children as controls. The results demonstrated significantly higher IgG and IgM titers in acute asthmatics compared to stable asthmatics and to controls. The findings suggested that acute C. pn. infection in children might be a significant cause of acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma. This infection should be suspected in children with acute asthma exacerbation not responding to usual treatment