Contents
Can Chlamydia pneumoniae Cause Pneumonia?
Published: Jul 01, 2024
Chlamydia pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that can cause pneumonia, a lung infection. This article explores how it affects adults, its symptoms, and its transmission.
Understanding Chlamydia pneumoniae
Chlamydia pneumoniae is a bacterium that causes respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia. Unlike typical bacteria, it's intracellular, meaning it lives inside human cells to survive and reproduce. It spreads through respiratory droplets, making it common but usually mild.
Symptoms to Watch For
Pneumonia from C. pneumoniae generally starts with mild symptoms like a fever, cough, and shortness of breath. This form of pneumonia is often called 'atypical' because it can present less severely than other bacterial pneumonias. Some people may also experience throat irritation or sinus problems.
How It Spreads
C. pneumoniae is transmitted among people mainly through respiratory droplets, similar to how the common cold spreads. This makes it easy to catch if you're in close contact with someone who is infected, such as in shared living spaces or crowded environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a bacterium that causes respiratory infections including pneumonia.
It spreads through respiratory droplets, making person-to-person transmission common.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
Most cases are mild, but severe cases can occur.
The Bottom Line
Chlamydia pneumoniae can cause pneumonia, usually mild, but understanding its transmission and symptoms is crucial.
References
- Basarab M, Macrae MB, Curtis CM. Atypical pneumonia. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2014; 20:247.
- Marchello C, Dale AP, Thai TN, et al. Prevalence of Atypical Pathogens in Patients With Cough and Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Meta-Analysis. Ann Fam Med 2016; 14:552.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?