When people think ofchlamydia, they’re usually thinking of the bacteria that are sexually transmitted.
However, there are other bacterial species within the genus Chlamydia, includingChlamydia pneumoniae(C. pneumoniae).
This strain is spread by contact through respiratory droplets and typically causessinusitis,bronchitis,pharyngitis, andpneumonia.
South_agency / Getty Images
It’s not clear how many people become infected withChlamydia pneumoniae.
However, many people who do get it are able to clear a mild infection on their own.
Older people and some other groups are at a higher risk for more severe infections.
Read on for more information on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment ofChlamydia pneumoniae.
South_agency / Getty Images
Causes
Chlamydia pneumoniaecan spread from one person to another through respiratory droplets.
This typically triggers when a person who is infected sneezes or coughs.
People who have only brief contact with a person who hasC.
pneumoniaeare unlikely to get sick.
These configs may include:
Symptoms
Many people who have aC.
pneumoniaeinfection will have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
This is referred to as the incubation period.
A blood test to confirm infection is also possible.
Treatment
Again, many people who have aChlamydia pneumoniaeinfection will not need any specific treatment.
The infection will often go away on its own.
If treatment is necessary, a healthcare provider can assess the infection and possibly prescribeantibiotics.
If this is the case, a healthcare provider may recommend another course of treatment.
Some research suggests thatC.
pneumoniae.It’s also possible for it to recur.
Summary
Chlamydia pneumoniaeis a species of Chlamydia that causes respiratory conditions, including pneumonia.
It’s transmitted from one person to another in close and prolonged contact through respiratory droplets.
Many people have mild or no symptoms, but older people are at a higher risk for severe infection.
A throat swab or blood test may be used to diagnose an infection.
If treatment is necessary, a healthcare provider will often prescribe antibiotics.
It’s possible for infection to recur after treatment.
Prevention measures typically include frequent handwashing and covering your coughs and sneezes to limit transmission to others.
A Word From Verywell
ThoughC.
Frequent handwashing is a key component of preventing many types of illnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
No.Chlamydia pneumoniaeis not asexually transmitted infection(STI).
It’s primarily spread through respiratory droplets.
However, another species of Chlamydia,Chlamydia trachomatis, is sexually transmitted.
Yes.Chlamydia pneumoniaecan be treated and cured with antibiotics.
For many people, the infection will go away on its own without treatment.
Common symptoms ofChlamydia pneumoniaeare similar to other respiratory infections.
2019;7(5):140. doi:10.3390/microorganisms7050140
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chlamydia pneumoniaeinfection.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chlamydia pneumoniaeinfection: causes and how it spreads.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview ofChlamydia pneumoniaeinfection.
Porritt RA, Crother TR.Chlamydia pneumoniaeinfection and inflammatory diseases.For Immunopathol Dis Therap.
2016;7(3-4):237-254. doi:10.1615/ForumImmunDisTher.2017020161
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Prevention.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Chlamydia pneumoniae infections: causes, symptoms & treatment.
