RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumonia) is an obligate intracellular bacterium and recognized as a risk factor for several diseases such as asthma, atherosclerosis and arthritis. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of C. pneumonia in healthy subjects in different age groups. METHODS: The serum levels of anti C. pneumonia IgG were measured by using of ELISA. RESULTS: Totally, 630 subjects (164 children and 466 adults) were included into study. The seroprevalence and the mean titer of anti C. pneumonia antibody were 11.3% and 14.48?2.18 RU/mL; at age 510 years, 15% and 17.47 +/- 2.40 RU/mL at age 11-20 years, 21% and 25.15 +/- 4.56 RU/mL at age 21-30 years group, 40% and 53.77 +/- 6.40 RU/mL at age 31-40 years, 94% and 146.41 +/- 8.95 RU/mL at age 41-50 years, 98% and 153.59 +/- 10.38 RU/mL at age 51-60 years, 96% and 138.80 +/- 12.78 RU/mL at age 61-70 years, respectively. The differences of the seroprevalence and the mean titer of anti C. pneumonia antibody between age groups were significant (p<0.0001). The sero-prevalence and the mean titer of anti C. pneumonia antibody were 11.6% and 14.33 +/- 1.49 RU/mL in children and 65.5% and 97.40 +/- 4.46 RU/mL in adults. The seroprevalence and the mean titer of anti C. pneumonia antibody were significantly higher in adults in comparison with those in children (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: These findings showed that the sero- prevalence and titer of anti C. pneumonia IgG were increased with advanced ages and were higher in adults as compared to children.
