Impact of infections a Chlamydia pneumoniae infections on asthma

Viruses and bacteria: The fact that the airways are exposed to a large numb er of infectious agents could explain the frequency of respiratory infectio ns and their causal effect in bronchial inflammation. Viruses are most ofte n the causal agent but the frequency of bacterial infections make them pote ntial candidates in certain respiratory diseases. Chlamydia are particularl y important due to their capacity to provoke immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation. Effect on asthma: It is not surprising to find biological evidence of Chlam ydia pneumoniae infection in a large number of subjects who experience majo r degradation of their asthma because asthmatic subjects are particularly s usceptible to respiratory infections and Chlamydia pneumoniae is a frequent cause of such infections. Pathogenic effect: Finding Chlamydia pneumoniae as the causal agent in asth ma is however much more surprising with a much different consequence, There are however many epidemiological and clinical findings and case observatio ns (Chlamydia pneumoniae asthma associations, prolonged favorable course in certain obstructive bronchial diseases after a short antibiotic regimen) a s well as provocative pathophysiological data favoring this particular form of "infectious asthma". Further information: Large-scale studies with rigorous methodology remain t o be performed. The would be needed to determine the exact relationship bet ween Chlamdia pneumoniae infections and certain types of asthma, particular ly when wheezing occurs after a respiratory infection and when chronic obst ruction develops. The could also determine the role of anti-Chlamydia pneum oniae antibiotics in case of obstructive respiratory failure and also deter mine their efficacy on long-term outcome.