Chlamydia trachomatis can cause congenital pneumonia, presenting at between four and fifteen weeks of age. It is aquired during delivery from the maternal genital tract.
It presents with a cough similar to that of pertussis, with tachypnoea and fine crackles on auscultation. The patient is usually afebrile (1). Half have associated conjunctivitis or otitis media. It should be suspected in a pneumonia which has no response to antibiotics.
Chest radiology reveals interstial infiltration and hyperinflation. Blood tests reveal a mild eosinophilia, and blood cultures should grow the organism.
Treatment is with erythromycin for child and parents (1).
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