Mycoplasma pneumonia igg positive what. Pneumonia caused by mycoplasma pneumonia, methods of diagnosis and treatment. Factors influencing the possibility of getting sick

Many of us, at the first symptoms of illness, do not go to the doctor, but try to treat the cold on our own. At the same time, few people think that under the guise of the usual ARVI there may be hidden dangerous infection, the causative agent of which is chlamydia pneumonia. This microorganism poses the greatest danger to children. Therefore, it is always necessary to remember the features of the course of such a disease and methods of its treatment.

What is this microorganism?

Chlamydia pneumonia is a gram-negative microorganism measuring no more than 350 nm and having a round shape. It is able to live and reproduce only in the humid environment of mammalian or bird cells. It does not require oxygen to function. When entering the host's body, the bacterium first attaches to the cell, and then gradually moves inside it, where it begins to actively multiply. After this, the pathogen enters the blood and spreads throughout the body.

When such microorganisms enter the human body, chlamydia develops. If the pathogen accumulates in the area respiratory tract, pneumonia is diagnosed. According to statistics, about 15% of all cases of this disease are associated with chlamydia.

Both adults and children suffer from this problem equally. People with weakened immune systems are the first to get sick. Therefore, chlamydia is often diagnosed in children whose immune system has not yet fully formed. In adults, men are more likely to suffer from this disease, regardless of age.

How can we become infected with this microorganism?

Chlamydial pneumonia develops due to the penetration of pathogenic microflora into the human body.

Among the main ways the disease is transmitted, experts identify:

Children and adults often become infected with pneumonia in crowded places. Therefore, in unfavorable periods it is better to refuse to visit them.

Since the risk group primarily includes people with weakened immune systems, it is necessary to constantly increase the body’s protective properties. To do this, you need to completely reconsider your lifestyle.

Anxiety symptoms in adults

Chlamydial pneumonia may occur various symptoms, especially on early stages. Often their description is similar to a cold or flu. Incubation period can last up to three weeks. For most people, the first signs appear already in the second week of chlamydia entering the body.

Among them are:

  • A hacking cough appears. The use of simple therapeutic techniques does not alleviate the situation. The cough is dry, there is no sputum discharge or it is mild.
  • Rhinitis and nasal congestion develop.
  • turns a bright crimson color, hoarseness appears.
  • Body temperature rises, muscle pain appears.
  • You can hear wheezing in your lungs.
  • In some cases, signs of conjunctivitis appear.
  • Sometimes neuralgic disorders may appear.

Read also on the topic

Manifestations and treatment of urogenital chlamydia

Complications of the disease can appear from the moment the body temperature rises to 39 degrees. In the absence of proper treatment of respiratory symptoms, after 1-4 weeks, serious pneumonia develops (pneumonia) with a clear clinical picture and complications (otitis media, sinusitis).

Signs of illness in children

Chlamydia pneumonia in children may not manifest itself at first. In this case, significant damage to the respiratory tract occurs. The child's condition worsens as soon as his body temperature reaches 38 degrees. Among the main symptoms of the problem are:

  • Severe cough, paroxysmal in nature. In this case, sputum is not separated or comes out in small quantities.
  • Change in color of the larynx.
  • Severe nasal congestion.
  • Nervous system disorders.

If the disease is acute, then the symptoms of intoxication appear quite quickly. The subacute stage of the disease can last no more than 10 days; pneumonia develops 1-4 weeks from the onset of symptoms.

How is the disease diagnosed?

Chlamydia is a disease that is difficult to identify external signs. Experts can determine an accurate diagnosis only after conducting appropriate tests of human blood or other biological material. The following methods can be used:

  • Previously, the disease was diagnosed by bacteriological culture analysis. It involves placing a sample taken from the patient in a nutrient medium. After a while, chlamydia formed large colonies, which are clearly visible under a microscope. Such tests take about 20 days, which does not allow timely treatment of inflammation. Therefore, this diagnostic method is practically not used today.
  • The most widely used method is serotyping (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). It allows you to detect the presence of antibodies to chlamydia pneumonia in human biological material. If the level of IgG antibodies in the analysis exceeds the norm by more than 4 times, this indicates progression of the disease. The presence of chlamydia is also indicated by the detection of IgA and IgM antibodies. They are released into the blood two weeks after infection. The severity of the disease is determined by the concentration of antibodies in tests. IgG antibodies appear in a blood test three to four weeks after the onset of chlamydia. A positive result for their presence is observed throughout the illness and after recovery. Sometimes a blood test shows IgG levels at the borderline level. In this case, the result is assigned “positive,” but a repeat study is ordered.
  • Pneumonia in children and adults can also be detected using enzyme immunoassay. Such a blood test will allow you to accurately determine the stage of the disease, which will ensure the compilation of the right program treatment.
  • The polymerase chain reaction test is also positive for chlamydia. Such tests will allow you to accurately determine the DNA of the pathogen.

If a positive result is obtained for chlamydial infection, the doctor immediately selects a treatment program. Chlamydia pneumonia is often accompanied by a concomitant infection. In such a situation, therapy will be complex.

Basic therapy methods

The only way to treat the disease is to take medications. Help to cope with chlamydial infection antibacterial drugs. The pathogen penetrates the cells of the body. Because of this, not all antibiotics are effective. It is indicated to use in therapy those substances that can accumulate inside cells. The following groups of drugs are most often prescribed:

  • Fluoroquinolones. They have proven themselves well in the fight against chlamydia. The most popular are Mokifloxacin and Levofloxacin.
  • Macrolides. In the description of such drugs you will find a minimal number of side effects. They are read as safe for the health of adults and children. Such remedies help not only fight back chlamydia, but also support the body’s immune system. The most effective are Spiramycin, Clarithromycin, Josamycin and some others.
  • Tetracyclines. For pneumonia, treatment with such drugs is rarely used. This is due to the abundance of their side effects. They are strictly prohibited from treating patients suffering from acute liver failure, as well as those who are pregnant. These drugs include Doxycycline, Monocycline and some others.

Among all types of pneumonia, a practicing doctor most often has to deal with community-acquired pneumonia. According to official statistics from the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, the incidence of community-acquired pneumonia in Russia among people over 18 years of age is 3.9%. Foreign researchers have found that the incidence of community-acquired pneumonia among young and middle-aged people varies from 1 to 11.6%, and in the older age group reaches 25-44%.

The most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae(30-50%). However, increasing importance among etiological factors community-acquired pneumonia in last years given to so-called atypical microorganisms, primarily Mycoplasma pneumoniae And Chlamydophila (Chlamydia) pneumoniae, which account for 8 to 25% of cases of the disease.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae in the structure of community-acquired pneumonia varies between 5-50%. Most often, mycoplasma pneumonia is diagnosed in children over 5 years of age and young people (up to 25 years of age). Every 3-5 years, epidemiological increases in incidence are observed, which last for several months. Outbreaks of the disease are typical for isolated and semi-isolated groups of the population (military personnel, students, schoolchildren, etc., family outbreaks). The presence of seasonal fluctuations is recognized, namely the high prevalence of infection in the autumn-winter period. The source of infection is both patients and carriers. The mechanism of transmission of infection is aerogenic, the route of transmission is airborne. The incubation period lasts 2-3 weeks. The mortality rate for mycoplasma pneumonia is 1.4%.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae occupies an intermediate position between viruses, bacteria and protozoa and is a membrane-associated (but may also be intracellular) anaerobe, has a three-layer cytoplasmic membrane instead of a cell wall, which determines resistance to various agents that suppress cell wall synthesis, primarily to penicillin and other β -lactams. With the help of the terminal structure, mycoplasma attaches to the host cells (erythrocytes, cells of the ciliated epithelium of the bronchi, etc.). Mycoplasma also has a mechanism of mimicry for the antigenic composition of the host cell, which contributes to the long-term persistence of the pathogen and causes the formation of autoantibodies and the development of autoimmune processes during mycoplasma infection. It is assumed that the development of non-respiratory manifestations is associated with the formation of autoantibodies. Mycoplasma pneumoniae-infections.

It is believed that from 5 to 15% of community-acquired pneumonia are caused by chlamydia, and during an epidemic these figures can increase to 25%. Chlamydial pneumonia most often occurs in adults, especially in middle-aged and elderly people. Epidemiological outbreaks in isolated and semi-isolated groups, cases of intra-family transmission are described chlamydial infection. No seasonal pattern in the spread of this infection has been identified. The only known reservoir of infection is humans. The transmission mechanism is aerogenic, the transmission route is airborne. The incubation period is 2-4 weeks. The mortality rate for chlamydial pneumonia reaches 9.8%.

Chlamydophila pneumoniae are pathogenic obligate intracellular gram-negative bacteria capable of latent existence or persistence in the host body. Characterized by a two-phase development cycle, consisting of alternation functionally and morphologically various forms- elementary and reticular bodies.

Clinical manifestations of mycoplasma and chlamydial pneumonia

In 30-40% of patients with mycoplasma and/or chlamydial pneumonia, the diagnosis is made only at the end of the first week of illness; Initially, they are most often mistakenly diagnosed with bronchitis, tracheitis or acute respiratory infections. This is due to the fact that, unlike bacterial pneumonia, mycoplasma and chlamydia do not have clear physical and radiological signs of infiltration, and their cultural diagnosis is impossible, since mycoplasma and chlamydia are intracellular pathogens. Therefore, the diagnosis of mycoplasma and chlamydial pneumonia is based primarily on identifying the characteristics of clinical and radiological data and is confirmed serologically or using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Typically, mycoplasma and chlamydial pneumonia begin with a respiratory syndrome, manifested by tracheobronchitis, nasopharyngitis, laryngitis; occur with low-grade fever, unproductive, painful cough, scant auscultatory data; are characterized by the presence of extrapulmonary manifestations - skin, articular, hematological, gastroenterological, neurological and others, as well as atypical laboratory indicators - the absence of leukocytosis and neutrophilic shift in the peripheral blood. X-ray changes in the lungs are marked by increased pulmonary pattern, peribronchial or subsegmental infiltration.

We examined 60 patients: 44 with mycoplasma pneumonia and 16 with chlamydial pneumonia. Analysis of clinical material showed that the onset of the disease in mycoplasma and chlamydial pneumonia can be either acute or gradual ( ). When under acute course pneumonia begins with damage to the upper respiratory tract, deterioration of general condition and chilling. Body temperature can be normal or subfebrile for 6-10 days and only then rises to 38-39.9°C for mycoplasma pneumonia and to 38-38.9°C for chlamydial pneumonia. With an acute onset, symptoms of intoxication appear already on the first day and reach a maximum by the 3rd day of illness. In patients with a gradual onset of the disease, intoxication is most pronounced on the 7-12th day from the onset of the disease. Characteristic signs of intoxication for mycoplasma and chlamydial pneumonia are moderate headache, myalgia, general weakness.

One of the constant signs of mycoplasma and chlamydial pneumonia, according to our data, is a cough that occurs simultaneously with fever. In patients with mycoplasma pneumonia, in contrast to chlamydial pneumonia, there is a frequent, mostly unproductive, obsessive, painful, paroxysmal cough (see. ). Along with cough, patients with chlamydial and mycoplasma pneumonia experience moderate symptoms lesions of the upper respiratory tract - rhinitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis. Rhinitis most often occurs in patients with chlamydial pneumonia (75.0 ± 10.8%, p< 0,001) и проявляется заложенностью носа и нарушением носового дыхания, у части больных наблюдаются небольшие либо умеренные слизисто-серозные или слизисто-гнойные выделения из носа. У пациентов же с микоплазменной пневмонией чаще регистрируются явления фарингита и ларингита, проявляющиеся гиперемией ротоглотки и осиплостью голоса (77,3 ± 6,3%, р < 0,05).

Of the extrapulmonary manifestations with mycoplasma pneumonia, myalgia (63.6%), maculopapular rash (22.7%), gastrointestinal discomfort (25%), and with chlamydial pneumonia - arthralgia (18.8%) and myalgia ( 31.3%).

Changes in the lungs, characteristic of compaction of the lung tissue, were not always determined during physical examination of patients with pneumonia caused by atypical pathogens (as opposed to patients with bacterial pneumonia). In particular, shortening of percussion sound in patients with mycoplasma and chlamydial pneumonia was observed in 68.2 and 68.8% of cases, respectively ( ). This sign was always detected in patients with segmental, polysegmental, lobar pneumonia and only in 1/3 of patients with peribronchial infiltration. In patients with mycoplasma pneumonia, weakened breathing (40.9%), dry and moist rales (47.7%) were more often heard over the affected area; in patients with chlamydial pneumonia, both weakened (37.5%) and bronchial breathing were heard (31 .2%) and moist rales (62.5%).

When radiography of organs chest In patients with mycoplasma and chlamydial pneumonia, typical pneumonic infiltration and interstitial changes were detected. With mycoplasma pneumonia, bilateral lung damage is more often observed (40.9%) with increased pulmonary pattern (22.7%) and peribronchial infiltration (50%), with chlamydial pneumonia - on the contrary, more often polysegmental infiltration (43.7%) and less often interstitial changes (31.3%).

IN general analysis In the blood of patients with mycoplasma and chlamydial pneumonia, a normal number of leukocytes and a moderate increase in ESR (on average 37.1 ± 1.9 mm/h) are more often noted.

According to our observations, mycoplasma and chlamydial pneumonia are characterized by a protracted recurrent course.

Thus, according to clinical and radiological data and taking into account the epidemiological situation, from the total number of patients with community-acquired pneumonia, patients with mycoplasma and/or chlamydial pneumonia can be distinguished. In our study, there were 80 such patients, of which 60 (75%) subsequently developed laboratory method Mycoplasma or chlamydial etiology of pneumonia was established.

Diagnosis of mycoplasma and chlamydial pneumonia

Laboratory diagnostics play a decisive role in identifying mycoplasma and chlamydial infections.

The most specific and sensitive method of laboratory diagnosis of mycoplasma and chlamydial infections is culture isolation Mycoplasma pneumoniae And Chlamydophila pneumoniae(“gold standard”), however, this is an extremely labor-intensive and lengthy process: microorganisms grow slowly (at least 7-14 days) and require special media. In this regard, the generally accepted diagnostic method is serotyping, i.e., detection of specific IgM and IgG antibodies to Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The most commonly used method is enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (Thermo Electron, Beckman Coulter, Abbot Laboratories, Medac Diagnostica), microimmunofluorescence reaction (MIF). The standard for serological diagnosis of mycoplasma infection today is the ELISA method for detecting specific IgM and IgG antibodies (>1:64), chlamydial infection - the ELISA method test and the MIF reaction, which allow identifying specific IgM, IgG and IgA in diagnostically significant titers ( >1:16, >1:512 and >1:256, respectively) and/or a 4-fold increase in IgG or IgA titer in paired blood sera. According to the dynamics of the level of specific antibodies determined by the ELISA method ( ), the nature and stage of the disease can be determined.

Also, recently, for the etiological diagnosis of mycoplasma and chlamydial infections, PCR is used, based on determining the DNA of the pathogen using the gene probe method. Possible using PCR quick diagnostics mycoplasma and chlamydial infections, but this method does not distinguish an active infection from a persistent one.

Thus, for reliable etiological identification of mycoplasma and chlamydial pneumonia, it is necessary to conduct serological tests in combination with methods based on identifying the DNA of the microorganism.

Treatment of mycoplasma and chlamydial pneumonia

The microbiological features discussed above Mycoplasma pneumoniae And Chlamydophila pneumoniae(mainly the intracellular development cycle) explain the ineffectiveness of widely used clinical practiceβ-lactam antibiotics (penicillins and cephalosporins) and necessitate the use of antimicrobial drugs that can penetrate and accumulate in affected cells, as well as block intracellular protein synthesis. Macrolides, fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines have such properties, which are means of eradication therapy for Mycoplasma pneumoniae- And Chlamydophila pneumoniae-infections.

Taking into account the characteristics of the spectrum of antimicrobial activity and pharmacokinetics, macrolides are considered first-line drugs. In addition, macrolides, compared to tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones, are safer in the treatment of newborns, children and pregnant women. The mechanism of action of macrolides is associated with disruption of protein synthesis in the cells of sensitive microorganisms. In addition, most of these drugs are characterized by a post-antibiotic effect, which is based on irreversible changes in the ribosomes of the microorganism. Thanks to this, the antibacterial effect is enhanced and prolonged, remaining for the period necessary for the resynthesis of new functional proteins of the microbial cell. Moreover, macrolides have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, which are due to several mechanisms. Firstly, macrolides have a modulating effect on neutrophil functions such as phagocytosis, chemotaxis, and killing. Under the influence of 14-membered macrolides, the oxidative “explosion” is inhibited, resulting in a decrease in the formation of highly active oxidizing compounds that can damage not only bacterial cells, but also their own tissues. In addition, interacting with cells immune system, macrolides can inhibit the synthesis and/or secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukins-1, -6, -8, tumor necrosis factor α, and, conversely, enhance the secretion of anti-inflammatory interleukins-2, -4, -10. It has been established that macrolides prevent the adhesion of bacteria to the surface of cells of the macroorganism, and also inhibit the expression of virulence factors of some microbes.

In Russia, macrolides are presented wide range drugs (see ). Among them, the most active in relation to Mycoplasma pneumoniae Azithromycin is recognized as having a number of advantages over erythromycin and clarithromycin. In a relationship Chlamydophila pneumoniae The most active agent is clarithromycin. Some other representatives of macrolides are also effective against these intracellular pathogens: josamycin, spiramycin. An old antimicrobial drug from this group, erythromycin, also has antimycoplasma and antichlamydial activity, but is undoubtedly inferior in this regard to the above antibiotics, while having a number of side effects.

Significant activity towards Mycoplasma pneumoniae And Chlamydophila pneumoniae have fluoroquinolones - ofloxacin (Zanocin, Tarivid, Oflo), ciprofloxacin (Tsiprobay, Tsiprolet, Tsifran, Siflox, Medociprin, Tsifloksinal), and therefore these antimicrobials are considered as an alternative to macrolides for this infection. New fluoroquinolones—levofloxacin (Tavanic) and moxifloxacin (Avelox)—are highly active. Moxifloxacin and levofloxacin successfully suppress almost any flora that causes pneumonia.

Tetracyclines are also effective in the treatment of mycoplasma and chlamydial pneumonia, but antibiotics of this group are not used during pregnancy or liver failure. The likelihood of side effects when using them may be higher. Of the tetracyclines, doxycycline and monocycline are active against atypical microorganisms (see. ).

Duration antimicrobial therapy uncomplicated bacterial community-acquired pneumonia is 5-10 days. For the treatment of mycoplasma and chlamydial pneumonia, it is recommended to use antimicrobial agents for at least 2-3 weeks. Reducing the duration of treatment is fraught with the development of relapse of infection.

For mild mycoplasma and chlamydial pneumonia, antimicrobial drugs are prescribed orally in moderate therapeutic doses. Naturally, in case of severe pneumonia, preference should be given to the intravenous use of an antibiotic. Erythromycin phosphate is prescribed up to 1-2 g/day in 2-3 administrations (maximum 1 g every 6 hours). Spiramycin is used intravenously at 1.5 million IU 3 times a day, and clarithromycin at 250 mg 2 times a day at equal intervals. To dilute spiramycin and clarithromycin, a 5% glucose solution should be used.

Price intravenous treatment antibiotics (in particular, macrolides) is very high, therefore step therapy is used, in which treatment begins with intravenous use antibiotics, and upon reaching clinical effect(usually after 2-3 days) the patient is transferred to oral therapy with the same drug or another macrolide. Stepped monotherapy with macrolides can be carried out with erythromycin, clarithromycin, spiramycin, i.e. drugs that are available in two forms: for intravenous administration and for oral administration.

Despite the wide range of antimicrobial drugs, effective treatment mycoplasma and chlamydial pneumonia represents to date big problem. This is due to the fact that their development, as a rule, occurs against the background of a decrease in the body’s anti-infective resistance due to suppressed immunity. Our study of immunogram parameters in patients with community-acquired pneumonia of mycoplasma and chlamydial etiology revealed a decrease in the absolute number of lymphocytes, mature T-lymphocytes (CD3+), T-helpers (CD4+), the absolute number of T-suppressors (CD8+), inhibition of the functional activity of the T-system , manifested by a decrease in the density of receptors for IL-2 (CD25+), the ability to blast transformation (CD71+ - lymphocytes) and apoptosis (CD95+), as well as activation of humoral immunity, which was manifested by an increase in the number of B-lymphocytes (CD20+), IgM level and CEC.

Mycoplasma and chlamydia on different stages developments are located both intracellularly and extracellularly, which requires the participation of humoral and cellular immunity mechanisms for their elimination. Most antimicrobial agents act primarily on the extracellular form of pathogens. This leads to persistence of pathogens, dissemination in the body, chronicity of the process, and the formation of complications. The use of only antimicrobial agents means only temporary suppression of pathogens, since against the background of such therapy, immunological disorders persist and even worsen, which increases the risk of disease relapse. Thus, according to the results of our studies, by the end of the course of traditional therapy, T-cell depression worsened: the relative and absolute number of T-lymphocytes (CD3+), T-helpers (CD4+), T-suppressors (CD8+) decreased against the background of an increase in the level of IgG, CEC, phagocytic index and reduction of IgA.

In this regard, I would like to emphasize that therapy for mycoplasma and chlamydial pneumonia should be comprehensive and include, in addition to antimicrobial agents, drugs whose action is aimed at correcting the immune response.

For this purpose, we use immunomodulators (roncoleukin, lycopid, thymalin, thymogen) in patients with mycoplasma and chlamydial pneumonia.

Inclusion of immunomodulators in complex treatment mycoplasma and chlamydial pneumonia allows you to achieve a pronounced immunological effect. The latter is combined with a pronounced clinical effect, manifested by a reduction in the time to achieve clinical and laboratory remission by an average of 3 hospital days, a decrease in intoxication symptoms 1-3 days after the start of treatment, a 2-fold reduction in the febrile period, clear positive radiographic dynamics by the 12th day of treatment in 76.7% of patients; a significant reduction in the likelihood of developing repeated relapses and chronicity of the process.

Literature
  1. Bochkarev E. G. Laboratory diagnostics chlamydial infection // Immunopathology, allergology, infectology. - 2000. - No. 4. - P. 65-72.
  2. Granitov V. M. Chlamydia. - M., 2000. - 48 p.
  3. Novikov Yu. K. Atypical pneumonia // Russian Medical Journal. - 2002. - T. 10. - No. 20. - P. 915-918.
  4. Nonikov V. E. Diagnosis and treatment of atypical pneumonia // CONSILIUM medicum. - 2001. - T. 3. - No. 12. - P. 569-574.
  5. Draft practical recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. Community-acquired pneumonia in adults: diagnosis, treatment, prevention. - M., 2002. - 51 p.
  6. Prozorovsky S.V., Rakovskaya I.V., Vulfovich Yu.V. Medical mycoplasmology. - M.: Medicine, 1995. - 285 p.
  7. Sinopalnikov A.I. Atypical pneumonia // Russian Medical Journal. - 2002. - T. 10. - No. 23. - P. 1080-1085.
  8. Handbook of immunotherapy for the practitioner / Ed. A. S. Simbirtseva. - St. Petersburg: Dialogue, 2002. - 480 p.
  9. Khaitov R. M., Ignatieva G. A., Sidorovich I. G. Immunology. - M.: Medicine, 2000. - 432 p.
  10. Khaitov R. F., Palmova L. Yu. Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae infections in pulmonology: current issues of clinical practice, diagnosis and treatment. - Kazan, 2001. - 64 p.
  11. Chuchalin A. G., Sinopalnikov A. I, Chernekhovskaya N. E. Pneumonia. - M.: Economics and Informatics, 2002. - 480 p.
  12. Boym A. Separation of leucocytes from blood and bone marrow // Scand J Clin. Lad. Jnvest. - 1968. - V. 21. - Suppl. 87. - P. 77-82.
  13. Guidelines for management of adult community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections. European Study in Community-acquired Pneumonia (ESOCAP) Committee // Eur Resp J. - 1998. - No. 11. - R. 986-991.
  14. Kawamoto M., Oshita Y., Yoshida H. et al. Two cases hypoxemic acute broncholitis due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae // Kansenshogaku Zasshi. - 2000. - V. 74. - No. 3. - P. 259-263.

G. G. Musalimov, Candidate of Medical Sciences
V. N. Saperov, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor
T. A. Nikonorova
Chuvash State Medical University, Cheboksary

Mycoplasma pneumonia occurs in up to 20% of all pneumonias, especially in cities. Until the middle of the last century, it was believed that mycoplasma belonged to the family of viruses, since mycoplasma infection is most often combined with influenza virus or adenovirus in children and parainfluenza virus in adults.

The causative agent Mycoplasma pneumoniae is transmitted by airborne droplets, like a virus, and manifests itself in the form of symptoms of inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tract. This species most often affects the lungs in children under 5 years of age.

A feature of the course is the frequent chronization of the process due to delayed treatment and generalization of mycoplasma infection in children early age. This is explained by the structure of the microorganism, which in structure resembles some of its own cells.

As a result, protective antibodies are produced late and can damage one’s own tissues, causing autoimmune processes in both children and adults. Without treatment, mycoplasmosis pneumonia can have serious consequences.

Symptoms of the disease

The initial symptoms of inflammation of the upper respiratory tract caused by mycoplasma are nonspecific:

  • headache;
  • low fever;
  • a sore throat;
  • runny nose;
  • chills;
  • dry hacking cough.

Mycoplasma pneumonia can cause the development of symptoms of pharyngitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, laryngitis, rhinitis, bronchiolitis, which subsequently develop into mycoplasma pneumonia. The disease can last for several weeks.

A blurred picture leads to frequent diagnostic errors, especially in favor of the influenza virus. However, experienced specialists talk about the similarity of symptoms and treatment methods for mycoplasma pneumonia in children and chlamydial pneumonia.

Diagnostic measures

History, examination and erased symptoms with a lingering cough may suggest the presence of atypical pneumonia. However, in peripheral blood in a conventional analysis there are no certain changes that would be characteristic of mycoplasmosis pneumonia.

X-rays show an increase in the pulmonary pattern, small focal shadows mainly in the lower parts of one or both lungs.

Differential diagnosis is made with chlamydial infection and respiratory infection caused by a virus. The main thing is a serological blood test for the presence of specific immunoglobulins for mycoplasma pneumonia M, A, G.

What are immunoglobulins

Long-term immunity is provided by IgG; they begin to fight infection after the production of IgM. IgG levels rise over several weeks and then remain at a certain level for many years or a lifetime. Antibodies of class G can penetrate the placental barrier, thereby providing protection to the fetus before birth and the first 4-6 months after.

The importance of Ig G antibodies for mycoplasma

A blood test for Ig to mycoplasma pneumonia M, A, G, especially paired sera with an interval of 2-4 weeks, confirms the diagnosis of mycoplasmosis pneumonia.

A single measurement of Ig M or Ig G titers does not provide a 100% diagnostic result. In adults, the amount of IgM increases slightly, but in children the level of IgG may remain normal. Only an increase in antibody titer over time guarantees a positive response to mycoplasma.

Specific immunoglobulins for mycoplasma pneumonia M are the earliest antibodies that appear after the first week of illness. IgM in adults and children indicates the presence of an acute process, as does IgA.

An increase in quantitative Ig indicators to mycoplasma pneumonia M can be observed throughout the month. After recovery, IgM should not be detected in the peripheral blood, however, there are studies that confirm a smooth decrease in titer over the course of a year after the illness. To avoid diagnostic errors, it is imperative to test the test simultaneously for IgM and IgG. When re-infected, Ig to mycoplasma pneumonia M is usually not produced.

After 2-3 weeks from the onset of clinical symptoms, IgG can be detected in the blood. The release of only IgG indicates a previous infection and does not occur at the beginning of the acute phase of the disease. Ig class G can be detected in the blood for several years after the disease. However, acquired immunity is not stable and cases of reinfection and re-infections are possible, as evidenced by an increase in the titer of class G antibodies in paired sera with an interval of two weeks.

The similarity of the symptoms of mycoplasmosis pneumonia with the influenza virus contributes to frequent self-medication. Parents spend time with their children symptomatic therapy, thereby removing the manifestations, but not the pathogen itself. The disease progresses and complications appear without antibiotic treatment.

Extrapulmonary complications occur in the first three weeks of the disease. Their nature and severity do not depend on the age of the patients. Extrapulmonary complications include:

  1. Neurological – meningitis, meningoencephalitis, encephalitis, transverse myelitis, ascending paralysis.

Recovery even with proper treatment goes very slowly. Possible residual effects in the form of defects and deaths. In addition to identifying Ig class G and IgM, it is necessary to isolate the pathogen from the cerebrospinal fluid using PCR.

  1. Hemolytic anemia.

Detection of cold antibodies in the blood is possible from the first weeks of the disease. This is one of the characteristic features mycoplasma pneumonia. DIC syndrome, thrombocytopenia, and renal failure may develop.

  1. Damage to the skin and mucous membranes.

It is observed in every fourth patient in the form of rash and conjunctivitis. They pass within 2 weeks.

  1. Cardiac – myocarditis, pericarditis.

They don't happen often. ECG changes in the form of AV block can be detected without any complaints.

  1. Dyspepsia - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

Accompanies mycoplasma pneumonia in children in 25% of cases.

  1. Joints - arthritis.

May correspond to manifestations of rheumatic attacks and are associated with the production of antibodies.

Specific antibiotic treatment should be started immediately upon suspicion of mycoplasma infection, especially in children. Additionally, symptomatic treatment, bed rest, and drinking plenty of fluids are necessary. If the course is favorable, recovery occurs within 1-2 weeks from the start of taking antibiotics.

Chlamydial pneumonia is caused by several types of microorganisms. Most often, this disease in adults and children is caused by chlamydia pneumoniae, chlamydophila pneumonia and Chlamydia psittaci.

Chlamydial pneumonia in children very often develops during an acute viral infection. In this case, there arise heat, weakness. Since chlamydial pneumonia produces mild symptoms, diagnosis is difficult, which is why the start of treatment is delayed. The appearance of a dry paroxysmal cough, which turns into a productive cough with a small amount of sputum of a mucopurulent nature, should alert you.

The doctor needs to recognize the symptoms caused by chlamydia pneumonia and prescribe treatment. The chlamydial nature of the disease can be identified if the clinical case meets the following criteria:

  • the patient’s age is from 5 to 35 years (adolescents and young adults are more often affected);
  • X-ray studies mainly reveal interstitial changes;
  • an increase in the titers of antibodies to Legionella in the patient’s blood in paired sera.
  • In 10-15% of patients, chlamydia pneumonia provokes severe symptoms of intoxication, enlargement of the liver and spleen. In newborns, signs of infection include signs of conjunctivitis.

    Antibodies to chlamydia pneumonia

    Chlamydial pneumonia is increasingly becoming the subject of discussion among physicians and concern among non-specialists. Sometimes there are questions about whether it is necessary to kill antibodies to chlamydia pneumonia. As a result, there is a need to clarify what these antibodies are. They appear 2 weeks after the pathogen begins to persist in the patient’s body. Based on the dynamics of the level of IgA, IgM and IgG antibodies and their combination, both the nature and stage of the disease can be determined.

    The presence of IgM antibodies means that the body has begun to fight the infection, that is, it produces protective cells. The higher the IgM level, the more active the inflammatory process is. Class M immunoglobulins are detected within a week after the onset of the initial manifestations of the disease.

    If specific treatment is not carried out, the titer of IgM antibodies increases, but this does not indicate that the patient has developed stable immunity. Later they disappear from the blood completely.

    IgA appears a little later than IgM and can be found in combination with the latter, or be the only antibodies. If the treatment regimen is chosen correctly, the IgA level will drop sharply.

    As for IgG antibodies to chlamydia pneumonia, this is an indicator of stable immunity. They can be detected within 3 years after successfully undergoing pneumonia.

    The combination of IgG with IgA and IgM is unfavorable. An increased titer of IgG and IgA is a sign that the treatment is not effective. If high levels of IgG and IgA are repeatedly detected, persistent chlamydia or an autoimmune disease provoked by chlamydia should be suspected.

    Treatment of chlamydial pneumonia

    In this situation, antibiotics are needed last generations. The patient may be prescribed macrolides, tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones. Medications are prescribed to relieve symptoms. General strengthening measures are also needed.

    For a disease such as chlamydial pneumonia, treatment is best done in a hospital. Up to 9% of diseases are fatal. This is due to a blurred clinical picture at the onset of the disease and late determination of the nature of the pathogen. When the first alarming signs appear, you should contact a trustworthy specialist as soon as possible.

    Pneumonia caused by Chlamydia psittaci

    This pathogen is found in parrots, turkeys, ducks, canaries, pigeons, as well as individual species seagulls The pneumonia caused by it is called psittacosis (if the source of infection is a parrot) or ornithosis (if infected from another bird). Infection occurs mainly by aerosol, that is, by inhaling dust from the feathers or excrement of a bird in which Chlamydia psittaci is present.

    The pathogen can survive in dry bird droppings for a month. Rare are cases of infection through drops of saliva that are released by patients during coughing. There is information about the possibility of sexual transmission of infection.

    Clinical features of ornithosis (psittacosis)

    The incubation period lasts from one to three weeks. Then symptoms of pneumonia appear, most often they are acute.

    The patient's temperature rises to 39 degrees or more. Chills and signs of intoxication occur, including severe headaches and loss of appetite. Repeated bouts of vomiting are possible.

    From 3-4 days the patient develops a dry cough. Later, sputum of a mucopurulent nature (sometimes with blood impurities) is released. Pain in the chest area becomes worse when breathing and coughing.

    Percussion of the lungs may reveal dullness of the percussion sound, and auscultation reveals harsh breathing and fine rales. These physical signs are most often detected in the lower lobe on the right.

    Almost 50% of patients have an enlarged liver. In severe cases it is affected nervous system. In this case, lethargy, meningeal syndrome, and delirium occur.

    A general blood test shows leukopenia in most cases. In more rare cases, the number of leukocytes is increased or normal. With leukocytosis, a shift is detected leukocyte formula to the left. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) increases.

    To make a diagnosis, certain criteria must be taken into account. These include data on household or professional contact with birds. The disease often occurs in pigeon breeders, poultry farm workers, etc.

    Antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis in a blood test

    What is the danger of the disease

    To begin with, let us recall how chlamydia enters the body; most often this occurs through sexual contact between a healthy person and an infected person; the risk of infection, especially during promiscuous and unprotected sexual intercourse, is quite high: about 60%. Previously, some experts argued about the existence of a household method of transmission of infection, for example, through a towel, but recent studies have proven that chlamydia cannot adapt to existence in the external environment and quickly dies.

    To diagnose the presence of this infection, it is necessary to determine antibodies to chlamydia in the blood. Let's consider the types of these antibodies.

    To make a more accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to determine the presence of all classes of antibodies. The main method of diagnosing antibodies to chlamydia trachomatis IgG and other types is a biochemical blood test, the essence of which is to determine the concentration of immunoglobulins in the patient’s blood, which begin to be produced a few days after the onset of infection.

    For the most reliable result and interpretation of the study, you must adhere to several rules:

  • a few days before donating blood for analysis, you need to stop drinking alcohol;
  • even if some types of antibodies to chlamydia have been identified, consultation with a specialist is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the method of treatment;
  • more accurate results after 1-2 weeks after infection.
  • The principle of collecting blood for analysis:

  • The patient’s venous blood is taken for research;
  • the material is always taken in the morning, and the patient should not eat food several hours before the study;
  • Also, a few days before donating blood, you must stop taking potent drugs. medicines, excessively spicy and salty foods;
  • On the day of blood collection it is usually prohibited to buy.
  • Let's look at a few illustrative examples of decoding chlamydia ELISA:

  • for example if positive test to IgA (1:5) and IgG (1:40), this indicates that the body has begun inflammatory process, and timely therapy is necessary;
  • positive IgG (1:10), and IgA, on the contrary, is negative, this indicates that the body has developed immunity after the infection has disappeared;
  • IgA and IgG are not detected or are normal, this indicates a sluggish, chronic stage diseases;
  • if the test for chlamydia c trachomatis antibodies igg momp pgp3 is positive and more than a concentration of 1:40, in this example the interpretation may be unreliable, and a PRC analysis must be done.
  • In addition to the above medications a course of antibiotics, immunomodulators, various enzymes and probiotics is used, physiotherapy is recommended, and topical preparations in the form of ointments, suppositories, lotions or tampons are also used.

    After completing the full course of treatment, the patient is advised to undergo a repeat antibody test, and only a negative result indicates an absolute cure for this disease. After all, all antibodies are produced by the body during infection in order to independently fight the infection.

    Positive IgG for chlamydia

    When testing the blood, it happens that igg antibodies are positive, pathogenic chlamydia has been identified. No one is safe from infection caused by these microorganisms. It is transmitted in two ways: household contact and sexual contact. Regardless of the method of infection, the disease affects the mucous membranes. Chlamydia is dangerous due to complications, including the development of arthritis, infertility, pneumonia and others. Therefore, identifying chlamydia in the body is of great importance.

  • Sexual – during unprotected sexual contact;
  • Contact household - when using objects contaminated with pathogenic microflora.
  • During the process of infection and development of the disease, the mucous membrane thickens. It is replaced by connective tissue. In most cases, this process, if untreated, provokes the development of infertility. With the development of pneumonia, metaplasia of the lung tissue occurs.

    To diagnose the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis, a blood test is performed. It allows you to detect antibodies to chlamydia. In the presence of a pathogen, the number of antibodies iga, igm, igg increases. Diagnostics can be prescribed by a doctor general practice, therapist, obstetrician-gynecologist, pediatrician, neonatologist and infectious disease specialist.

    The life cycle of the pathogen is divided into two periods. During the first, the pathogenic microflora is outside the cells, representing spores. They are resistant to antibiotic therapy. After entering the cell, viruses become areticular bodies. At this stage, chlamydia can be treated with antibacterial drugs.

    Antibody classification

    Antibodies are proteins that are produced by the body's defense structures. They are classified into the following classes:

    Type igm. Their appearance occurs immediately after infection. Igm antibodies can be detected during the acute course of the disease. This period begins 4–5 days after the pathogen enters the human body. Gradually, the antibody titer decreases. After three months they disappear.

    Iga type. They can be detected after 7 days of illness. By this time, sufficient proliferation of pathogenic microflora occurs. The infected person should limit contact to prevent the spread of infection. With the necessary therapy, the number of iga antibodies decreases closer to 4 months from the moment of infection. If there is a constant titer of antibodies in the blood, the diagnosis of the disease progressing to chronic form or lack of immunity.

    Type igg. A high titer of this class is detected after 2–3 weeks from the fact of infection. These antibodies are produced by the body for a long time (several years). Therefore, after a chlamydial infection, a blood test will always show an increased amount of antibodies of this class. When carrying a child, antibodies to chlamydia trachomatis igg penetrate the placental barrier. The fetus develops immunity to the corresponding disease.

    Research and transcription

    For the purpose of research, blood, urine, and the contents of a smear can be used as biological material. Blood is taken from a vein in the morning before meals. On the eve of the examination, they follow a diet, limiting the consumption of marinades and fried foods. Eliminate alcoholic beverages from the diet.

    When examining urine, the day before the test, they refuse to have intimate life. For the study, it is necessary to collect biomaterial in the morning. When conducting an analysis using a smear, sexual relations are excluded three days before the examination. The biomaterial is taken immediately after the end of menstrual bleeding on the first day.

    The collection of samples for the study is carried out by a laboratory doctor. To carry out medical manipulation, special equipment and reagents are used. After receiving the results of the study, a visit to the doctor who referred you for examination follows. He analyzes the results and prescribes therapy.

    In some cases, if the result is positive, it is necessary to take the test again. This will avoid errors in treatment. Therapy for chlamydia is based on the use of antibiotics. Additionally stimulate the immune system.

    What are the results?

    The results after examination for the presence of chlamydia can be of two poles: positive or negative. The negative answer says:

  • About the absence of an infectious process ( iga antibodies and igm are absent);
  • About recovery after treatment (iga and igm antibodies were not detected);
  • Less than 14 days have passed since the infection developed.
  • Positive results of a blood test for the presence of chlamydia indicate the development of chlamydia or an exacerbation pathological process a month ago.

    The result is positive

    To confirm the diagnosis, a person undergoes testing for all classes of antibodies. If the result is positive, there is damage to certain types of cells that are located on the mucous layer of the cervix, pharynx, rectum, and urethra. The respiratory system (development of pneumonia) and the visual apparatus (inflammation of the mucous membrane) may be affected in children born a few days ago.

    A positive result for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis igg occurs in combination with the production of igm, iga, igg antibodies in the body.

    In accordance with their titer, the stage of the disease and the effectiveness of specific drugs are determined. Testing for igg antibodies is more accurate after 20 days from the date of infection.

    Any infection(pneumonia, arthritis) poses a serious threat to the human body. If you detect the first signs of a pathological process, you should consult a doctor. A positive result in an igg antibody test is not a reason to despair. The main thing is to consult a doctor for treatment and follow all his instructions.

    Positive test for Antichlamydia Trachomatis IGG

    Chlamydia is a bacterial infectious disease of a systemic nature, during which the epithelium of the mucous membranes (eyes, genitals, organs) is affected. respiratory system). The infection can be transmitted through household contact and sexual contact. During the course of the disease, thickening of the mucous membrane occurs, as well as metaplasia of epithelial cells with a subsequent increase in scar tissue. connective tissue. The latter factor is the main cause of infertility in both sexes.

    How does infection occur?

    The life cycle of chlamydia trachomatis consists of two phases. During the first phase, the infection is extracellular in nature, chlamydia is in a spore-like form and is insensitive to the action of antibiotics. After penetration into the cell, chlamydia becomes areticular bodies, the process is accompanied by the appearance of sensitivity to antibacterial therapy.

    Chlamydia trachomatis is one of four types of chlamydia, this species has several serotypes, each of which affects a specific organ.

    Positive test result

    Positive Chlamydia trachomatis means infection of certain types of cells located on the mucous membranes of the urethra, the inner surface of the cervix, the back wall of the pharynx, and the mucous membrane of the rectum. The disease is also characterized by infection of the eyes and respiratory tract of newborns in the first months of life.

    Positive Chlamydia trachomatis is accompanied by the synthesis of immunoglobulins in the body: anti igm, anti iga, anti igg. Their occurrence is associated with a certain stage of infection; by their presence and concentration in the blood, the stage of the disease can be determined. ELISA diagnostics allows you to detect the presence of specific bodies, positive result is ensured due to a certain reaction to the introduction of an antigen.

    igg antibodies to the Chlamydia trachomatis antigen are a marker of current or recent infection. They do not provide lasting immunity against chlamydia; anti igg can exist in the body for several years, sometimes for life. The level of anti igg decreases when the process subsides and when they are cured; during reactivation, an increase is observed, sometimes fourfold.

    During the infection process, the body synthesizes immunoglobulins of three classes: igm, iga and igg. Positive igm is detected already on the fifth day of illness, iga - on the tenth, long-circulating igg indicates long-term chlamydia.

    A positive test of only iga or only igg does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis; possible combinations of antibodies allow us to determine tactics during the test additional research. The presence of igm antibodies indicates the course of the acute phase; they are detected on the fifth day, peak at 1-2 weeks, and disappear completely after 2-3 months.

    Positive iga is a marker of chronic or acute form diseases appear after 10-14 days, a decrease in anti-iga as a result of treatment occurs after 2-4 months. igg antibodies are detected 15-20 days after the onset of the disease; during reinfection, their number increases significantly.

    Chlamydia trachomatis: characteristics, tests, symptoms in women and men, treatment

    The risk of contracting chlamydial infection increases in people who have multiple sexual partners and do not use condoms during sexual intercourse. Infection of the fetus from a sick pregnant mother is possible. The infection is extremely rarely spread through everyday contact through kissing, touching and shared household items.

    Chlamydia trachomatis leads to the development of inflammation of the genital organs and infertility in women, and to prostatitis and decreased potency in men. Urogenital chlamydia is often asymptomatic or has a mild clinical picture. At the same time, the infection continues to spread mainly through sexual contact.

    Chlamydia trachomatis

    The ability of microbes to multiply in the cytoplasm of eukaryotes is common to chlamydia and viruses. Chlamydia trachomatis does not produce ATP, but uses the vital resources of the host cell, destroying it.

    The life cycle of chlamydia lasts on average three days. They come in two forms:

  • Elementary bodies are an infectious, spore-like, extracellular form. ETs are spherical in shape and contain many disulfide bonds that resist osmosis. Being in the form of spores, microbes are insensitive to antibiotics. The period from the moment of infection of the host cell with ET until their transformation into RT lasts 6-8 hours.
  • Reticular bodies are a vegetative, reproducing, intracellular form. These are typical actively reproducing gram-negative bacteria. Using the cell's resources, intermediate bodies are formed, which are again transformed into ET. Chlamydia first destroys the cell wall of the host cell, and then completely destroys it, spreading to neighboring ones. During this period, antibiotic therapy should be administered.
  • Chlamydia does not produce energy on its own. In laboratory conditions, they are grown in chicken embryos or in cell culture at a temperature of +35 degrees.

    Chlamydia has a small set of enzymes and pathogenicity factors, which include:

  • Adhesins,
  • Endotoxin - lipopolysaccharide,
  • Exotoxin,
  • Antiphagocytic factor,
  • Heat shock protein
  • General genus-specific thermostable antigen,
  • Heat labile species-specific antigen,
  • Type-specific protein antigen.
  • Chlamydia trachomatis is resistant to low temperatures up to freezing, is highly sensitive to heat, quickly dies when dried and under the influence of disinfectants and ultraviolet radiation.

    Urogenital chlamydia is an infectious anthroponosis. The source of infection is a person infected with chlamydia trachomatis. The most dangerous are women, who develop asymptomatic carriers in 70% of cases.

    The mechanism of spread of infection is contact and household, which is realized in the following ways:

  • Sexual - through the mucous membranes of the genital organs during sexual intercourse without a condom,
  • Vertical - during pregnancy or childbirth,
  • Household - through direct contact and household items in violation of the rules of personal hygiene and sanitary standards.
  • Chlamydia trachomatis is tropic to epithelial tissue and affects the epithelial cells of the genitourinary organs. Erosion, ulcers, scars and adhesions form on the mucous membrane. Inflammation of the pelvic organs often results in infertility.

    Under the influence of conditions unfavorable for microbes, they “fall asleep.” These factors include: persistent immune response, hypothermia, antibiotic therapy. Chlamydia develops a protective shell that protects them from the negative influence of the external environment. When immunity decreases, infectious agents awaken and begin to actively multiply. This property allows them to remain inside the host cell for a long time and not manifest themselves in any way.

    Chlamydia is the leader in incidence among sexually transmitted infections. This pathology diagnosed in 9% of the world's population. Most often, women aged 16-35 years who are promiscuous and neglect barrier contraception suffer from urogenital chlamydia.

    Immunity in urogenital chlamydia is cellular in nature. Specific anti-chlamydial antibodies found in the serum of patients do not protect against reinfection. After an illness, stable immunity is not formed.

    The process of development of the disease caused by chlamydia trachomatis depends on the state of the human immune system.

  • With strong immunity Clinical signs pathologies are often absent or mildly expressed. The body copes with the infection on its own.
  • If a one-time accidental infection of a person in good health occurs, the disease does not develop, chlamydia dies.
  • Regular sexual intercourse with a sick person or a carrier of infection leads to massive infection and the development of inflammation, which can be asymptomatic.
  • The incubation period of infection lasts for 1-4 weeks. Its duration is determined by the number of microbes that have entered the body and the state of the person’s immunity. After the end of incubation, the first symptoms of chlamydia appear. If treatment is not started in time, the primary clinical signs will disappear on their own, and the disease will enter an asymptomatic chronic phase. Exacerbations will occur each time under the influence of unfavorable factors.

    manifestations of chlamydia trachomatis in men/women

    Men infected with chlamydia trachomatis complain of urethral discharge, pollakiuria, itching and burning sensation, pain in the scrotum, testicles and urethra. Their general condition worsens, weakness, low-grade fever, and hematuria appear. Painful sensations in the groin quickly spread to the lower back and perineum. The outside of the urethra looks red, swollen, and painful.

    In women, vaginal discharge becomes abundant, acquires an unpleasant odor and an unusual color mixed with pus. They complain of itching and burning in the vagina, intermenstrual bleeding, discomfort in the lower abdomen, pulling sensations in the lower back, pain after intercourse and during urination, pain during menstruation, general signs intoxication and asthenia of the body.

    Similar clinical symptoms occur extremely rarely. Usually they are not given much importance and are not addressed to doctors. In this case, the disease becomes chronic, increasing the risk of developing dangerous complications, difficult to treat.

    Pregnant women when registering with antenatal clinic are tested for sexually transmitted diseases, including chlamydia. If chlamydia trachomatis is detected, treatment must be started. Otherwise, the microbes infect the membranes of the fetus, penetrate the amniotic fluid, and settle on the mucous membranes. Fetal development stops, premature birth, miscarriage is possible.

    Up to 20% of pregnant women are infected with chlamydia trachomatis. Children born to them become infected during childbirth. Babies develop chlamydial conjunctivitis or pneumonia. Women infected with chlamydia trachomatis give birth to children with birth defects or low birth weight. In particularly severe cases, intrauterine fetal death is possible. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary for married couples planning a pregnancy to be examined for sexually transmitted infections and undergo appropriate treatment.

    In the absence of timely and effective therapy diseases caused by chlamydia trachomatis lead to the development of severe complications:

  • Impotence,
  • Orchiepididymitis,
  • Prostatitis,
  • Infertility,
  • Chlamydial arthritis,
  • Premature birth,
  • Uterine tumors,
  • Adhesions in the pelvis.
  • Main diagnostic methods chlamydial infection are: PCR and ELISA. Additionally, upon treatment, each patient is prescribed an ultrasound of the genital organs in order to detect complications: inflammatory diseases of the uterus, appendages in women and prostate in men. Also, to determine chlamydia trachomatis, a bacteriological examination of material taken from the patient is carried out - the discharge of the cervical canal or seminal fluid.

    PCR diagnostics consists of determining the amount of bacterial DNA in the test sample. This method allows you to accurately determine the etiological role of the detected microorganism. If there is a lot of chlamydia in the sample, the result is considered positive. If their quantity in the sample is insignificant, the study should be continued. Perhaps the pathology is caused by other microbes. The reliability of the method is almost 100%.

    Enzyme immunoassay reveals not only the causative agent of the disease, but also the stage of chlamydia. ELISA allows you to detect antibodies to chlamydia trachomatis in the blood. IgM appears immediately after infection and indicates the development of acute inflammation. If IgA and IgG are absent, it means that a primary infection with chlamydia trachomatis has occurred. Normally, the result should be negative.

    IgG to chlamydia trachomatis appears a month after the initial infection, indicates chronicity of the process and disappears after treatment. If the analysis detected IgG to chlamydia trachomatis, but no IgM, this indicates that the infection occurred approximately 2-3 months ago. In the absence of IgG, IgM and IgA in the blood, we can talk about complete recovery.

    Venous blood is taken from the patient for analysis. The accuracy of the method is 60%. The ELISA result is qualitative, without determining the titer.

    Inoculation of the test material for Chlamydia trachomatis with determination of sensitivity to antibiotics is carried out in microbiological laboratory. The culture method is very accurate but expensive. Material for research - vaginal discharge is placed in an environment favorable for chlamydia, incubated in a thermostat and microscopy is performed, during which the presence or absence of chlamydia in the smear is determined. After isolation of the pathogen, its sensitivity to antibiotics is determined. This analysis requires special preparation of the patient:

    1. One month before the study, stop antibiotic therapy.
    2. 36 hours before the test, observe sexual rest.
    3. The day before taking the material, carry out hygiene procedures with clean water without soap and antiseptics.
    4. Take material for research two days after the end of menstruation.
    5. It is prohibited to use vaginal suppositories and douching on the eve of the study.
    6. 1.5 - 3 hours before taking a scraping, you must refrain from urinating.
    7. Treatment of urogenital chlamydia is carried out by a gynecologist, urologist, and venereologist. Both sexual partners should be treated.

      Patients are given complex therapy, which consists in the destruction of pathogenic microbes, elimination of symptoms of pathology, correction of immunity, vitamin therapy, protection of the liver from the toxic effects of medications, sanitation of existing foci of chronic infection in the body, physiotherapy.

    8. Antibacterial treatment - drugs from the group of tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones and macrolides: Azithromycin, Doxycycline, Levofloxacin. Usually a combination of two antibiotics is prescribed.
    9. Antiticide drug - Metronidazole.
    10. Immunostimulation - “Polyoxidonium”, “Amiksin”, “Likopid”, “Immunomax”.
    11. To prevent candidiasis, antimycotic drugs are prescribed - Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Nystatin.
    12. Normalization of the microflora of the human body - multivitamins, probiotics, enzymes, adaptogens.
    13. Sanatorium-resort treatment, balneotherapy, mud treatment, and physiotherapy are carried out after the acute symptoms of infection have been eliminated.
    14. Local treatment in women is the use of tampons with antibacterial creams and ointments, vaginal suppositories, douching.
    15. Local treatment in men consists of exposure to ultrasound or iontophoresis, the use of rectal suppositories, enemas, baths, prostate massage.
    16. Treatment of chlamydia trachomatis should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. Self-medication with strong antibiotics can lead to the erasure of symptoms and the occurrence of complications.

      Preventive measures for chlamydial infection consist of observing the rules of personal hygiene and sanitary standards. Experts recommend avoiding casual sex, practicing only protected sex, promptly identifying and treating genitourinary diseases, and undergoing regular medical examinations, strengthen the immune system, lead a healthy sexual lifestyle.

      Chlamydia trachomatis, IgG

      Antibodies of the IgG class to the causative agent of urogenital chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) are specific immunoglobulins produced in the human body during periods of pronounced clinical manifestations urogenital chlamydia. They are a serological marker of this disease, as well as a marker of infection in the recent past.

      The result will be of high quality, without determining the titer.

      IgG class antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis, class G immunoglobulins to the causative agent of chlamydia.

      Anti-Chlamydia tr.-IgG, Chlamydia tr. Antibodies, IgG.

      Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

      What biomaterial can be used for research?

      How to properly prepare for research?

      Do not smoke for 30 minutes before donating blood.

      General information about the study

      Chlamydia trachomatis, IgG, are antibodies (immunoglobulins, immunity factors) that are produced during chlamydia infection.

      Chlamydial infection, or chlamydia, is a set of diseases that are caused by microorganisms of the genus Chlamydia.

      The life cycle of chlamydia consists of two phases. The first phase is extracellular, when chlamydia is in a spore-like form and is called elementary bodies (they are insensitive to antibiotics). After penetration, chlamydia cells turn into reticular bodies - a biological form that actively reproduces; During this period, chlamydia is sensitive to antibacterial therapy. This feature explains the tendency of this type of infection to have a long-term chronic course.

      Diseases in humans are caused by four types of chlamydia, one of them is Chlamydia trachomatis . This species has several varieties (serotypes), each of which is prone to damage to one or another organ. Chlamydia trachomatis infects certain types of cells that line the lining of the urethra and the lining of the cervix in women. back wall pharynx, mucous membrane of the rectum, conjunctiva of the eyes, as well as the respiratory tract in children in the first months of their life.

      Chlamydia infection occurs as a result of direct contact of the mucous membranes with the pathogen, usually during unprotected sexual intercourse. Newborns can become infected during the birth canal.

      The incubation period from the moment of infection to the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease lasts from 7 to 20 days or more. Sometimes visible signs are not developing. This is either an asymptomatic carriage, or cases where the symptoms of the disease are invisible, but the structures and functions of the tissues are slowly impaired (persistent form of the disease).

      In women, chlamydial infection most often occurs in the form of inflammation of the cervical canal, from where it passes into the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. Inflammation fallopian tubes(salpingitis) is the most common complication of chlamydia and can lead to obstruction of the fallopian tubes and ultimately to infertility or tubal (ectopic) pregnancy. The peculiarity of chlamydia of the uterine appendages is the tendency to the absence of specific symptoms of the disease and a long course. In some cases, the infection spreads higher to the abdominal organs.

      In men, chlamydia can be present as inflammation of the urethra (urethritis) and vas deferens (epididymitis). Sometimes inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis) occurs.

      Between 5 and 20% of pregnant women have a chlamydial infection of the cervical canal. Approximately half of the children born to them become infected during childbirth. Half of infected children develop chlamydial conjunctivitis, and 10% develop pneumonia.

      During sexual contact, chlamydial infection can cause acute inflammatory disease– lymphogranuloma venereum. As the disease progresses, it increases The lymph nodes and the state of health is disturbed. In the future, complications associated with changes in the genitals and rectum are possible.

      Chlamydia infection is accompanied by the production of antibodies (immunoglobulins) in the body: IgM, IgA, IgG. The production of each of them is associated with a certain stage of the infectious process, so that by their appearance and quantity in the blood one can judge the stage of the disease.

      IgG antibodies appear 3-4 weeks after the initial infection with chlamydia and continue to be detected throughout the disease, as well as for a long time after recovery. Thus, a positive IgG test result indicates that chlamydia infection occurred at least 3-4 weeks ago.

      What is the research used for?

    17. To determine the stage of the disease with symptoms of chlamydial infection.
    18. To establish the fact of infection with chlamydia in the past (as to determine the causes of diseases that may be a consequence of chlamydial infection: infertility, ectopic pregnancy).
    19. When is the study scheduled?

    20. For symptoms of chlamydial infection. In women, this is discharge from the genital tract, burning, itching in the genital area, pain in the lower abdomen. In men - burning when urinating, discharge from the urethra, pain, itching in the genital area.
    21. If you need to determine the stage of chlamydial infection.
    22. If it is necessary to establish the fact of infection with chlamydia (for diseases that may be a consequence of chlamydial infection: infertility, ectopic pregnancy.
    23. CP (positivity coefficient): 0 - 0.99.

      The results of the analysis indicate the stage of development of the disease and make it possible to establish the fact of infection with chlamydia in the past.

      Reasons for the positive result:

    24. infection with chlamydia or an exacerbation of the disease occurred more than 3-4 weeks ago.
    25. Reasons for negative results:

    26. there is no chlamydia infection (if the test result for IgA and IgM is also negative);
    27. complete recovery (if the test result for IgA and IgM is negative).
    • A negative test result can be obtained if less than two weeks have passed from the onset of the infectious process.
    • Who orders the study?

      General practitioner, therapist, obstetrician-gynecologist, pediatrician, neonatologist, infectious disease specialist.

    Pneumonia - serious illness, which is fatal in 9 percent of cases. From illness in to a greater extent children and the elderly suffer. The former have not yet developed immunity against infections, the latter have lost “faith in their strength”: their immunity is not so efficient.

    In both groups, the disease begins as ARVI and develops according to the same scenario: ARVI-bronchitis-pneumonia. As a rule, bacteria are considered the causative agents of this disease. But from the general clinical picture there are exceptions.

    Back in the 30s of the 20th century, the term atypical pneumonia appeared. This insidious disease is initiated by uncharacteristic pathogens, that is, viruses, mycoplasmas, etc. The latter microbes are the most dangerous for the body.

    If chlamydia pneumonia begins, symptoms and treatment are required on a strictly individual basis, different from other cases of infection with a similar disease. In addition, the infection easily affects relatively healthy organisms up to 40 years of age.

    Attention! Men of all ages are more susceptible to chlamydial infection.

    Statistics indicate that the percentage of those who have recovered is 90% of all former patients.

    Doctors say that the reason for this is the habit of smoking, which is more common among men.

    The danger of the disease lies in the fact that it is difficult to diagnose.

    Blood tests in case of bacterial and viral infection differ radically.

    The severity of the disease varies from asymptomatic infection to severe disease.

    In addition, someone who has had an infection once runs the risk of repeating a similar “sad experience.” Reinfection is more likely in older patients.

    Attention! Atypical form The disease is a difficult diagnosis to recognize. The disease can be perceived as otitis media, laryngitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, etc. At the same time, microbes - chlamydia - accumulate and multiply in the body, affecting all organs.

    As a consequence, the infection, after an accurate diagnosis, is treated for a very long period of time.

    What is chlamydia

    When it comes to Chlamydia pneumonia, what it is should be understood in order to make an accurate diagnosis.

    An incomplete list of those parts of the human body that are indirectly and directly affected by the active life activity of chlamydia:

    Attention! Symptoms can appear both collectively and individually.

    Chlamydial pneumonia is accompanied by joint pain and neurological disorders. Tapping in the sinus area causes painful sensations. The temperature rises to about 38 degrees on the 7th day after the onset of the disease.

    Consequences of the disease

    The consequences that chlamydia pneumonia can lead to are truly terrible. Rarely does a patient know what it is.

    At first the disease goes unnoticed ( low-grade fever). The incubation period lasts from 1 to 4 weeks.

    A characteristic sign of the disease is hoarseness of voice. Therefore, the disease is only “given away” by wheezing from the chest.

    In the first period of the disease they are dry in nature, after which they become moist.

    With a cough that has paroxysmal periodicity, mucopurulent sputum is released.

    When chlamydial pneumonia begins, symptoms are expressed strictly individually. Among them are:

    • Loss of appetite;
    • Shortness of breath, cough and weakness;
    • The wheezing is dry and finely bubbled, which is observed in the lower part of the upper respiratory tract;
    • The appearance of conjunctivitis;
    • At 3 weeks after the onset of infection, rhinitis, laryngitis and other diseases develop.

    Complications of the disease are fraught. Late diagnosis and chronic nature of the disease leads to the fact that the patient practically does not get out of bed.

    If pneumococci are added to chlamydia, the patient is immediately hospitalized. To cure such a mixed infection, long-term antibiotic therapy is required.

    As for newborns, then Not a single fragile baby can survive such a course of the disease..

    Attention! Chlamydiapneumonia causes not only pneumonia in children and adults, but also a number of diseases associated with the underlying disease. Currently, the question of the influence of infection on the occurrence of bronchial asthma and other autoimmune diagnoses.

    How the infection is transmitted

    When chlamydia pneumonia is determined, treatment is prescribed on an outpatient basis or in a closed hospital.

    The fact is that the infection is spread by airborne droplets.

    This is its main difference from the other two types of chlamydial infection: Chlamydophila trachomatis and Chlamydo philapsittaci.

    The first disease is transmitted due to infections, which can persist on clothing and bedding for 5 days.

    The second infection is transmitted from person to person “thanks to” air fumes from the excrement of infected birds.

    Who is particularly vulnerable to this insidious disease?

    Chlamydial pneumonia is scary because the disease poses a threat to life and health.

    A visually healthy mother may represent one of the carriers of chlamydia.

    Their strains penetrate the body of a healthy pregnant woman with basic non-compliance with simple hygiene rules and with promiscuous sexual intercourse:

    • At the level of sexual contacts;
    • Through clothing and household items of infected people, on which microbes retain their properties for 5-6 days.

    When a mother develops chlamydial pneumonia, treatment often cannot be used for objective reasons, so as not to further harm the fetus.

    As a result, the child appears “in the new world” already infected with strains of chlamydia.

    In some situations, infection occurs in the first minutes of a child's life. This happens for the following reasons:

    • The baby “swallowed” amniotic fluid (accordingly, in which strains of chlamydia are present);
    • Infection occurred during childbirth, through the mother's mucous membranes.

    Other “defenseless” patients are children and adolescents under 15 years old who attend sections, schools and kindergartens. They become infected through the air during communication.

    As for adults, those who cannot “boast” of strong immunity are susceptible to the disease. Those at risk are people who have already been ill, men with a weakened immune system.

    Diagnostic methods

    One reliable method is serotyping. This is a blood test for chlamydia pneumonia.

    When serotyping, the number of antibodies to pathogens of this type of disease is taken into account: IgG, IgA And IgM.

    The first are detected only in the third week after the onset of infection. Their progressive growth indicates the active stage of the disease.

    Subsequently, the antibodies remain in the body, also after treatment. The analysis takes into account everything: the combination of antibodies, the increase in indicators, the dynamics of growth and decline.

    To understand the process of development of chlamydia pneumonia, igg, what it is to understand and calculate, you need to consult with doctors.

    Opponents of chlamydia - antibodies - have borderline values ​​equal to 1:1000 . If these indicators are lower, then a repeat examination should be organized after two weeks.

    The attending physician should interpret the meaning of the indicators. He can easily determine remission, crisis or slow recovery.

    A throat swab helps determine whether there is pneumonia or not. After all, the disease is characterized by the creation of so-called infiltrates in the lungs.

    They are nothing more than mucus that does not cough up. At the same time, microbes and individual strains come out when the patient comes into contact with healthy people.

    Cellular structure can be isolated from a throat swab. Just implement this procedure possible in laboratory conditions.

    A simpler and more economical way is DNA determination. Well-organized PCR helps to find the causative agent of the disease in the patient’s sputum. Fast and efficient!

    Conclusion

    The disease is difficult to diagnose, but it must be done in order to choose the right therapy.

    When chlamydia pneumonia is predicted, igg a positive result indicates that the body is beginning to resist infection through the formation of antibodies.

    The next task of the therapist is to ensure that expectorants and antibiotics of a certain type are taken. And the patient will be well in a few weeks!

    In contact with