Acute hemorrhagic pericarditis in a child with pneumonia due to Chlamydophila pneumoniae

J Clin Microbiol. 2005 Jan;43(1):520-2. doi: 10.1128/JCM.43.1.520-522.2005.

Abstract

Chlamydophila pneumoniae is mainly responsible for respiratory tract infections but has also been associated with endocarditis and myocarditis. We report a case of pneumonia in a child with hemorrhagic pericardial effusion with a positive result by a new C. pneumoniae TaqMan PCR, suggesting a pericardial inflammation directly induced by C. pneumoniae. C. pneumoniae should be suspected in patients with community-acquired pneumonia and concurrent pericarditis. Empirical treatment with azithromycin seems feasible.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Chlamydophila Infections / complications*
  • Chlamydophila Infections / microbiology
  • Chlamydophila pneumoniae / classification
  • Chlamydophila pneumoniae / genetics
  • Chlamydophila pneumoniae / isolation & purification*
  • Female
  • Hemorrhage
  • Humans
  • Pericardial Effusion / microbiology
  • Pericarditis / etiology*
  • Pericarditis / microbiology*
  • Pneumonia, Bacterial / complications*
  • Pneumonia, Bacterial / microbiology