Chlamydia Pneumoniae IgG

Chlamydia pneumonia is a specific bacterial species that exists within the Chlamydia genus. The bacterial strain spreads amongst people through contact with respiratory droplets, and it leads to distress in the respiratory tract. It eventually culminates into infections like bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia and pharyngitis.

It typically spreads through coughing and sneezing. People who are surrounded by infected people for a prolonged period are more likely to get the infection. For instance, the following individuals are more likely to contract chlamydia pneumonia:

• People working in a densely populated place
• Living in a crowded house
• Students in schools, colleges, residential housing and halls
• Patients admitted to hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities
• Personnel in military barracks
• People put in correctional facilities

Chlamydia pneumonia takes about 20 days (3-4 weeks) for the symptoms to show up. This is essentially termed the incubation period. You will observe warning signs like:

• Low-grade fever
• Tiredness
• Runny nose
• Headache
• Loss of voice or hoarse baritone
• Stuffy nose or nasal congestion
• Deteriorating cough
• Sore throat

If you believe you have been exposed to the bacteria of chlamydia pneumonia or are witnessing any apparent symptoms, reach out to a healthcare provider. Your doctor will likely order a chlamydia pneumoniae IgG test.

Getting this test will help:

• Detect whether you have the chlamydia pneumonia bacteria
• Determine the suitable treatment options to help you recover quickly
• Prevent the further spread of the bacteria
• Avoid the possibility of infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinusitis, which may occur if chlamydia pneumonia is left untreated

If the chlamydia pneumoniae IgG test comes back positive, this indicates that your body has the antibodies. It confirms the presence of infection caused by the chlamydia pneumoniae bacteria. It’s an indication of lower respiratory illness.

If the chlamydia pneumoniae IgG test returns negative, it means you don't have any antibodies in your blood. Although, a negative test result will not confirm the absence of bacteria, so other tests may follow if you are still experiencing the symptoms.

Do note that the chlamydia pneumoniae test results may vary depending on factors like your lifestyle, daily nutritional diet, consumption of supplements and any ongoing medications. Make sure to apprise your doctor of the same beforehand.

Chlamydia pneumonia is a mild disease, and its treatment is relatively uncomplicated. Antibiotics work best to cure the infection, but people often recover from the condition without any medications.

If left undiagnosed and untreated, the chlamydia pneumonia infection can lead to severe complications that might land you in a hospital. The following medical issues can occur:

• Swelling of the heart, also known as Myocarditis
• Brain swelling, also known as Encephalitis
• Deteriorating asthma

Chronic conditions like atherosclerosis (buildup of plaque in the arteries), arthritis and asthma
Book a chlamydia pneumoniae IgG test at Apollo 24|7 and get tested in the comfort of your own house today!
 

Medically reviewed by Dr. Srikar Darisetty, Respiratory Medicine, Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad