Chlamydia pneumoniae
Chlamydophila pneumoniae (until recently known as Chlamydia pneumoniae, or CPN) is an intracellular bacterium of the species Chlamydophila, and can infect people via airborne transmission. It is a major cause of community-acquired pneumonia.[1] It has been implicated as a potential cause of ME/CFS in a subset of patients. A study by Chia & Chia found that 10% of their patients had a chlamydophila pneumoniae infection which may have caused or contributed to their ME/CFS.[2]
A chronic chlamydophila pneumoniae infection can be treated with antibiotics.
Testing[edit | edit source]
Accurately testing for chlamydophila pneumoniae can be difficult, therefore, a negative blood test may not mean you do not have an infection. Additionally, there is a general shortage worldwide of facilities which can identify/diagnose Chlamydophila pneumoniae.[3]. Common tests for chlamydophila pneumoniae include the microimmunofluorescence (MIF) test[4] or via biopsy.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
A chlamydophila pneumoniae infection, while an uncommon cause of ME/CFS, is one of the more treatable forms. Antibiotic treatment with azithromycin or rifampin can therefore improve or even cure patients. Chia & Chia found that while antibiotic treatment was successful in many patients, relapse was also common.[2] Some patients have reported recovery after being treated with Dr Stratton's original protocol. More information on treatment options can be found on CPN Help's Treatment Protocols page.
Notable studies[edit | edit source]
- Chia, J K ; Chia, L Y Chronic Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection: A Treatable Cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Clinical infectious Diseases, August 1999, Vol.29(2), pp.452-3. DOI: 10.1086/520239
Learn more[edit | edit source]
- Dr. Stratton's original protocol
- CPN Help Website
- CPN Help: The Basics
- Chlamydia pneumoniae infection a treatable cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Response (BMJ)
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Chlamydia pneumoniae not caught like you thought
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Chia, J. K.; Chia, L. Y. (August 1999). "Chronic Chlamydia pneumoniae infection: a treatable cause of chronic fatigue syndrome". Clinical Infectious Diseases. 29 (2): 452–453. doi:10.1086/520239. ISSN 1058-4838. PMID 10476765.
- ↑ CPN Help - Diagnosis Issues
- ↑ The Microimmunofluorescence Test for Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection: Technique and Interpretation