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Francesco Blasi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Incidence of Chlamydia Pneumoniae Infection in Vertically HIV-1 Infected Children
European journal of clinical microbiology & infectious diseases : official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology, 1998Co-Authors: Roberto Cosentini, Francesco Blasi, Cristina Arosio, Susanna Esposito, M. Clerici Schoeller, Raffaella Pinzani, Paolo Tarsia, L. Fagetti, Nicola Principi, Luigi AllegraAbstract:The rate of seroconversion for antibody to Chlamydia Pneumoniae was analysed in blood samples of 26 vertically HIV-1 infected children and 14 seroreverter children (HIV-negative children born to HIV-positive mothers) during a 3-year study period. Seroconversion for Chlamydia Pneumoniae was found in 13 of 26 HIV-1 infected children and in 1 of 14 in the seroreverter group (P=0.013). A lower mean CD4+ cell count and p24 antigen positivity at enrolment were significantly associated with seroconversion for Chlamydia Pneumoniae. Signs and symptoms of acute respiratory infection were recorded in the 30 to 40 days preceding collection of the blood samples showing seroconversion for Chlamydia Pneumoniae in 8 of 13 HIV-1 infected children and in the single seroreverter. This study confirms the potential role of Chlamydia Pneumoniae in the pathogenesis of respiratory tract infections in HIV-1 infected subjects.
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Chlamydia Pneumoniae and asthma
Thorax, 1998Co-Authors: Francesco Blasi, Luigi Allegra, Paolo TarsiaAbstract:The paper by Cook et al 1 examines the possible association between Chlamydia Pneumoniae infection and asthma. The authors conclude that their data do not support this association. However, we feel that the serological tests performed give important information on the prevalence of infection, but are not sufficiently complete to make definitive conclusions on the …
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Clinical features of Chlamydia Pneumoniae acute respiratory infection.
Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 1996Co-Authors: Francesco BlasiAbstract:Chlamydia Pneumoniae is a worldwide respiratory pathogen involved in 6–20% of community-acquired pneumonias and in about 5% of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. Preliminary data also indicate a possible association between Chlamydia Pneumoniae infection and asthma. Further studies are needed to elucidate whether Chlamydia Pneumoniae is merely a precipitant of asthma symptoms or is actually one of the causes of asthma.
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Two family outbreaks of Chlamydia Pneumoniae infection
The European respiratory journal, 1994Co-Authors: Francesco Blasi, Roberto Cosentini, F. Denti, Luigi AllegraAbstract:During autumn 1992, we observed two unrelated family outbreaks of Chlamydia Pneumoniae infection. Family A consisted of grandmother (aged 77 yrs), father (aged 41 yrs), mother (aged 38 yrs), daughter (aged 10 yrs), and two sons (aged 6 yrs and 3 months, respectively). The grandmother and daughter suffered from pneumonia, father from pharyngitis and bronchitis and the older son from mild bronchitis. No symptoms were recorded in the mother and younger son. Symptomatic subjects showed a fourfold increase in immunoglobulin G (IgG) titre for Chlamydia Pneumoniae, determined by a microimmunofluorescence test with specific antigen (TW-183). Other serological studies against Mycoplasma pneumonia, Legionella pneumophila, influenza virus type A and B, adenovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were negative. Sputum culture gave a positive result for Haemophilus influenzae, colony forming units (cfu) = 10(4).ml-1 in the grandmother. No serum positivity was recorded in the mother and younger son, who remained asymptomatic. All symptomatic patients were successfully treated with macrolides. Family B consisted of mother (aged 63 yrs) and daughter (aged 36 yrs). Both suffered from Chlamydia Pneumoniae pneumonia. Diagnosis was made by means of serological microimmunofluorescence test, and direct identification using an indirect immunofluorescence test on pharyngeal swab. Sputum culture and other serological tests remained negative. Both patients were successfully treated with macrolides. These observations emphasize the relevance of Chlamydia Pneumoniae in family cluster respiratory infections.
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Chlamydia Pneumoniae infection in acute exacerbations of COPD
The European respiratory journal, 1993Co-Authors: Francesco Blasi, Delfino Legnani, V.m. Lombardo, G.g. Negretto, E. Magliano, R. Pozzoli, F. Chiodo, Angelo Fasoli, Luigi AllegraAbstract:Chlamydia Pneumoniae, strain TWAR, is a frequent causative agent of acute respiratory disease. We assessed the incidence and prevalence of Chlamydia Pneumoniae infections in COPD. We studied, from January 1990 to May 1991, 142 out-patients with acute purulent exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 114 healthy control subjects. Oropharyngeal swab specimens were collected at each exacerbation and analysed using a high definition monoclonal indirect fluorescent antibody test for Chlamydia Pneumoniae identification. Immunoglobulins G and M (IgG and IgM) fractions of antibodies to Chlamydia Pneumoniae were studied by microimmunofluorescence test. Prevalence of specific IgG was 63% in COPD, and 46% in controls (Chi-squared test p = 0.007). Moreover, mean titre of IgG was significantly higher in COPD than in controls. Five patients were positive for specific IgM (> or = = 1:16), and one had a fourfold increase of IgG titre; four of these patients had been treated with ciprofloxacin 1 g.day-1 for 10 days, and two with erythromycin, 3 g.day-1 for 14 days, with remission of signs and symptoms of exacerbation. Chlamydia Pneumoniae identification was always negative. Our data suggest that Chlamydia Pneumoniae infection is a rather frequent event in COPD, since at least 4% of exacerbations may be associated with it.
Wen Kang-li - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Chlamydia Pneumoniae infection in patients with respiratory tract infection
Chinese Preventive Medicine, 2011Co-Authors: Wen Kang-liAbstract:Objective To investigate Chlamydia Pneumoniae infection in patients with respiratory tract infection and provide information for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods A total of 88 throat swabs were collected from patients with respiratory tract infection accompanied by fever in January,2006.The method of PCR was used to detect Chlamydia Pneumoniae in the specimens of throat swabs.PCR products were sequenced for further identification.The software of SPSS was used for data analysis.Results The positive rate of Chlamydia Pneumoniae infection was 31.82%(28/88) with the PCR primer of CpnA-CpnB.There were no differences in positive rates between men and women or among different age groups.Conclusion Chlamydia Pneumoniae is the main cause of respiratory tract infection.PCR is a simple,specific and sensitive method for laboratory testing.
Urs Ziegler - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Chlamydia Pneumoniae induces aponecrosis in human aortic smooth muscle cells
BMC Microbiology, 2005Co-Authors: Claudia Dumrese, Christine F Maurus, Daniel Gygi, Mårten Kj Schneider, Michael Walch, Peter Groscurth, Urs ZieglerAbstract:Background The intracellular bacterium Chlamydia Pneumoniae is suspected to play a role in formation and progression of atherosclerosis. Many studies investigated cell death initiation versus inhibition by Chlamydia Pneumoniae in established cell lines but nothing is known in primary human aortic smooth muscle cells, a cell type among others known to be involved in the formation of the atherosclerotic plaque. Type of cell death was analyzed by various methods in primary aortic smooth muscle cells after infection with Chlamydia Pneumoniae to investigate a possible pathogenic link in atherosclerosis. Results Chlamydiae were found to be localized up to 72 h post infection in aortic smooth muscle cells either as single bacteria or inside of large inclusions. Quantification of host cell death by lactate dehydrogenase release assay revealed strictly dose and time dependent lysis for all tested isolates of Chlamydia Pneumoniae . Phosphatidylserine exposure was detected by flow cytometry in Chlamydia Pneumoniae infected cells. Ultrastructure of Chlamydia Pneumoniae infected human aortic smooth muscle cells showed extensive membrane- and organelle damage, chromatin condensation but no nuclear fragmentation. DNA fragmentation as well as cell membrane permeability was analyzed by TUNEL and NHS-biotin staining and occurred exclusively in cells carrying Chlamydia Pneumoniae spots but not in smooth muscle cells with inclusions. These morphological features of cell death were not accompanied by an activation of caspase-3 as revealed by analysis of enzyme activity but involved mitochondrial membrane depolarization as shown by TMRE uptake and release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. Conclusion This study provides evidence that Chlamydia Pneumoniae induce a spot like infection in human aortic smooth muscle cells, which results in a chimeric cell death with both apoptotic and necrotic characteristics. This aponecrotic cell death may assist chronic inflammation in atherosclerotic blood vessels.
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Chlamydia Pneumoniae induces aponecrosis in human aortic smooth muscle cells.
BMC microbiology, 2005Co-Authors: Claudia Dumrese, Christine F Maurus, Daniel Gygi, Mårten Kj Schneider, Michael Walch, Peter Groscurth, Urs ZieglerAbstract:Background The intracellular bacterium Chlamydia Pneumoniae is suspected to play a role in formation and progression of atherosclerosis. Many studies investigated cell death initiation versus inhibition by Chlamydia Pneumoniae in established cell lines but nothing is known in primary human aortic smooth muscle cells, a cell type among others known to be involved in the formation of the atherosclerotic plaque. Type of cell death was analyzed by various methods in primary aortic smooth muscle cells after infection with Chlamydia Pneumoniae to investigate a possible pathogenic link in atherosclerosis.
Luigi Allegra - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Incidence of Chlamydia Pneumoniae Infection in Vertically HIV-1 Infected Children
European journal of clinical microbiology & infectious diseases : official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology, 1998Co-Authors: Roberto Cosentini, Francesco Blasi, Cristina Arosio, Susanna Esposito, M. Clerici Schoeller, Raffaella Pinzani, Paolo Tarsia, L. Fagetti, Nicola Principi, Luigi AllegraAbstract:The rate of seroconversion for antibody to Chlamydia Pneumoniae was analysed in blood samples of 26 vertically HIV-1 infected children and 14 seroreverter children (HIV-negative children born to HIV-positive mothers) during a 3-year study period. Seroconversion for Chlamydia Pneumoniae was found in 13 of 26 HIV-1 infected children and in 1 of 14 in the seroreverter group (P=0.013). A lower mean CD4+ cell count and p24 antigen positivity at enrolment were significantly associated with seroconversion for Chlamydia Pneumoniae. Signs and symptoms of acute respiratory infection were recorded in the 30 to 40 days preceding collection of the blood samples showing seroconversion for Chlamydia Pneumoniae in 8 of 13 HIV-1 infected children and in the single seroreverter. This study confirms the potential role of Chlamydia Pneumoniae in the pathogenesis of respiratory tract infections in HIV-1 infected subjects.
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Chlamydia Pneumoniae and asthma
Thorax, 1998Co-Authors: Francesco Blasi, Luigi Allegra, Paolo TarsiaAbstract:The paper by Cook et al 1 examines the possible association between Chlamydia Pneumoniae infection and asthma. The authors conclude that their data do not support this association. However, we feel that the serological tests performed give important information on the prevalence of infection, but are not sufficiently complete to make definitive conclusions on the …
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Two family outbreaks of Chlamydia Pneumoniae infection
The European respiratory journal, 1994Co-Authors: Francesco Blasi, Roberto Cosentini, F. Denti, Luigi AllegraAbstract:During autumn 1992, we observed two unrelated family outbreaks of Chlamydia Pneumoniae infection. Family A consisted of grandmother (aged 77 yrs), father (aged 41 yrs), mother (aged 38 yrs), daughter (aged 10 yrs), and two sons (aged 6 yrs and 3 months, respectively). The grandmother and daughter suffered from pneumonia, father from pharyngitis and bronchitis and the older son from mild bronchitis. No symptoms were recorded in the mother and younger son. Symptomatic subjects showed a fourfold increase in immunoglobulin G (IgG) titre for Chlamydia Pneumoniae, determined by a microimmunofluorescence test with specific antigen (TW-183). Other serological studies against Mycoplasma pneumonia, Legionella pneumophila, influenza virus type A and B, adenovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were negative. Sputum culture gave a positive result for Haemophilus influenzae, colony forming units (cfu) = 10(4).ml-1 in the grandmother. No serum positivity was recorded in the mother and younger son, who remained asymptomatic. All symptomatic patients were successfully treated with macrolides. Family B consisted of mother (aged 63 yrs) and daughter (aged 36 yrs). Both suffered from Chlamydia Pneumoniae pneumonia. Diagnosis was made by means of serological microimmunofluorescence test, and direct identification using an indirect immunofluorescence test on pharyngeal swab. Sputum culture and other serological tests remained negative. Both patients were successfully treated with macrolides. These observations emphasize the relevance of Chlamydia Pneumoniae in family cluster respiratory infections.
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Chlamydia Pneumoniae infection in acute exacerbations of COPD
The European respiratory journal, 1993Co-Authors: Francesco Blasi, Delfino Legnani, V.m. Lombardo, G.g. Negretto, E. Magliano, R. Pozzoli, F. Chiodo, Angelo Fasoli, Luigi AllegraAbstract:Chlamydia Pneumoniae, strain TWAR, is a frequent causative agent of acute respiratory disease. We assessed the incidence and prevalence of Chlamydia Pneumoniae infections in COPD. We studied, from January 1990 to May 1991, 142 out-patients with acute purulent exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 114 healthy control subjects. Oropharyngeal swab specimens were collected at each exacerbation and analysed using a high definition monoclonal indirect fluorescent antibody test for Chlamydia Pneumoniae identification. Immunoglobulins G and M (IgG and IgM) fractions of antibodies to Chlamydia Pneumoniae were studied by microimmunofluorescence test. Prevalence of specific IgG was 63% in COPD, and 46% in controls (Chi-squared test p = 0.007). Moreover, mean titre of IgG was significantly higher in COPD than in controls. Five patients were positive for specific IgM (> or = = 1:16), and one had a fourfold increase of IgG titre; four of these patients had been treated with ciprofloxacin 1 g.day-1 for 10 days, and two with erythromycin, 3 g.day-1 for 14 days, with remission of signs and symptoms of exacerbation. Chlamydia Pneumoniae identification was always negative. Our data suggest that Chlamydia Pneumoniae infection is a rather frequent event in COPD, since at least 4% of exacerbations may be associated with it.
V. Vullo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Chlamydia Pneumoniae respiratory infections among patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus
European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 1997Co-Authors: U. Visco Comandini, P. Maggi, P. Santopadre, R. Monno, G. Angarano, V. VulloAbstract:Thirteen cases of Chlamydia Pneumoniae infection in patients seropositive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are described. The occurrence, the clinical spectrum, and the significance of the infection during HIV disease are compared with data reported in the literature. Chlamydia Pneumoniae infection was established by a serologic micro-immunofluorescence test using standard diagnostic criteria. In four cases the results of serological tests were confirmed by direct immunofluorescence on respiratory specimens. Five patients developed focal pneumonia but recovered completely after specific antibiotic treatment. Three patients developed severe and diffuse interstitial pulmonary involvement, two of whom died of acute respiratory failure. Five patients developed upper respiratory tract infection. Using 39 pair-matched HIV-seropositive subjects as controls, the cases of infection were found to be significantly associated with a previously diagnosed pulmonary disease. Upon retrospective analysis of 319 consecutive cases of pneumonia among HIV-infected patients, Chlamydia Pneumoniae was the sole agent detected in eight (2.5%) cases, and Chlamydia Pneumoniae together with other infectious agents was detected in seven (2.2%) cases. Chlamydia Pneumoniae is a possible cause of severe respiratory infection in Italian HIV-infected immunocompromised patients, and its presence must be suspected when patients do not respond to therapy with beta-lactam agents or to anti-Pneumocystis carinii treatment.