Protochlamydia naegleriophila as etiologic agent of pneumonia.
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.
Casson
Nicola
N
Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Michel
Rolf
R
Müller
Karl-Dieter
KD
Aubert
John David
JD
Greub
Gilbert
G
D048248:Acanthamoeba castellanii / Q000382:microbiology; D000818:Animals; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / Q000382:microbiology*; D002690:Chlamydia Infections; D002695:Chlamydiales / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D009253:Naegleria / Q000382:microbiology; D018410:Pneumonia, Bacterial / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction
D004269:DNA, Bacterial