Investigations
1st investigations to order
chest x-ray
Test
Will reveal presence of pneumonia, but not specific for Chlamydia pneumoniae infection.[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: AP CXR showing pneumonia of the left lower lobe with early consolidation, the aetiology of which was unknown.CDC/ Dr Thomas Hooten; used with permission [Citation ends].
Result
lobar consolidation with air bronchograms, may show pleural effusion
WBC count with differential
Test
Non-specific.
Result
may be elevated with a predominance of neutrophils
Investigations to consider
C pneumoniae culture of nasopharynx, sputum, or pleural fluid
Test
If the organism is present, the patient is infected. Not routinely available.[11]
Result
positive culture
C pneumoniae antibody
Test
Accurate serological diagnosis requires paired sera. There are no FDA-approved assays. Many patients, especially children, can be infected and remain seronegative.[1]
Result
demonstration of 4-fold rise in IgG or presence of IgM
Nucleic acid amplification tests for C pneumoniae
Test
There are two FDA-approved commercially available nucleic acid amplification based respiratory panels that detect 14 viruses, and three bacterial targets, including Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Bordetella pertussis. These two tests are approved for use with nasopharyngeal swabs only.
Result
positive
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