The frequency of Chlamydophila pneumoniae antygen detection from the pharyngeal swabs in children

Objectives. The aim of the study was to analyse the frequency of chlamydial respiratory tract infections in children at first half-year of 2008. Material and methods. Throat swabs of 503 children (252 girls and 251 boys) aged from 2.5 months to 17 years who were outpatient due to various respiratory ailments were investigated. Studies were performed by IFA test (Chlamydia Cel PN, Cellabs). Results. Respiratory tract infections caused by Chlamydophila pneumoniae were detected in 41.5% of all cases, in 44.8% girls and in 38.2% boys. During 6 months of observation the highest percentage of infected children was found on April 49.1%, the lowest on March 34.1%. On different months the frequency of chlamydial infections was on comparable level and it was from 40.8% to 42.7%. Conclusions. In Lower Silesia region a large infectiousness of Chlamydia spread by respiratory droplets was found. Detection of respiratory tract infection caused by Chlamydia in children suggests that doctors should examine people from patient's community.