Protochlamydia naegleriophila as Etiologic Agent of Pneumonia

Abstract

Using ameba coculture, we grew a Naegleria endosymbiont. Phenotypic, genetic, and phylogenetic analyses supported its affiliation as Protochlamydia naegleriophila sp. nov. We then developed a specific diagnostic PCR for Protochlamydia spp. When applied to bronchoalveolar lavages, results of this PCR were positive for 1 patient with pneumonia. Further studies are needed to assess the role of Protochlamydia spp. in pneumonia.

Keywords

• Obligate intracellular bacteria
• chlamydia-like organisms
• pathogenicity
• pneumonia
• TaqMan PCR
• chlamydiae