[Pulmonary Chlamydia infections in children].

In the last decades chlamydial infection of the respiratory tract have been described in children. Chlamydia trachomatis, the most common identifiable cause of neonatal infections conjunctivitis is also a recognised cause of pneumonia in newborns and is responsible for about one third of sexually transmitted disease. Chlamydia psittaci is mainly pathogenic for birds and occasionally for human. More recently Chlamydia pneumoniae has been found associated with pulmonary abnormalities, nasopharynx and pulmonary oropharynx infections. Microbiologic diagnosis can be difficult. Several non culture methods are now available such as the direct fluorescent antibody test and enzyme immuno-assays. X ray chest show a reticulated and (or) nodular pattern. Treatment is mainly macrolide based with erythromycin.