Chlamydia pneumoniae
Clinical definition of the Chlamydia pneumonia test
Chlamydophila pneumoniae is an atypical obligate intracellular bacterium that infects humans and is a major cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections mainly in elderly and weak debilitated patients. It also seems to be strongly associated with chronic obstructive lung disease, sarcoidosis, lung cancer and precedence to asthma. Examination of sputum or the secretions of the respiratory tract may reveal signs of the bacteria. Otherwise, examination of the blood may reveal antibodies or antigens against the bacteria. Chest X-rays of lungs infected with C. pneumoniae often show a small patch of increased shadow (opacity).
Why is the Chlamydia pneumonia test done?
It is done to screen for or diagnose Chlamydia infection. C. pneumoniae infection has been mainly concerned within several chronic lung diseases by serology and direct antigen detection. Diagnosis of C. pneumoniae may be confounded by prior infections with this microorganism.
What are the common signs/symptoms when the Chlamydia pneumonia test is done?
- Cough
- Fever
- Difficulties breathing
- Slightly red hard palate
- Whitening of the back of the tongue
- Nasal congestion
- Chest pressures
- Depression
Who should do the Chlamydia pneumonia test (Target population)?
Elderly and debilitated patients suffering from the above signs or symptoms.
What should I do before the test?
|
Specimen type |
Specimen collection procedure |
Preparatory instructions during specimen collection* |
|
Sputum or the secretions of the respiratory tract |
Inhale deeply 2-3 times, cough up deeply from the chest and spit in the sputum container by bringing it closer to the mouth. A good sputum sample is thick, purulent and sufficient in amount (at least 2-3 ml). |
The mouth should be free of any foreign matter. If available, the mouth may be rinsed with filtered or sterile water prior to collection. |
|
Serum (blood sample) |
Venipuncture - Collection of blood from a vein, usually from the arm. |
No Fasting Required. No other special preparations required. |
*Subjects suffering from any illness or on oral or injectable medications are advised to consult their physician prior to requesting any tests or procedures.
How do I interpret my Chlamydia pneumonia test results?
|
Reference Range |
Inference |
|
|
IgG |
IgM |
|
|
< 0.8 Ratio |
< 0.8 Ratio |
Negative |
|
0.8 to 1.1 Ratio |
0.8 to 1.1 Ratio |
Borderline |
|
> 1.1 Ratio |
>= 1.1 Ratio |
Positive |
‘*A Reference range is a set of values which helps the healthcare professional to interpret a medical test. It may vary with age, gender, and other factors. Reference ranges may also vary between labs, in value & units depending on instruments used and method of establishment of reference ranges’
Diseases/conditions related to the Chlamydia trachomatis test
- Meningoencephalitis
- Arthritis
- Myocarditis
- Guillain-barré syndrome
- Alzheimer's disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Prostatitis
- Chronic obstructive lung disease
- Sarcoidosis
- Lung cancer
- Precedence to asthma
- Pneumonia
- Pharyngitis
- Laryngitis
- Sinusitis
- Bronchitis
- Atypical pneumonia
- Atherosclerosis
- Alzheimer's disease
- Sarcoidosis
Other tests related to the Chlamydia trachomatis test
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia trachomatis
