Current knowledge on Chlamydia pneumoniae, strain TWAR, an important cause of pneumonia and other acute respiratory diseases

Abstract

This article reviews current knowledge of Chlamydia pneumoniae strain TWAR, a newly recognized Chlamydia organism that causes acute respiratory infection, especially atypical pneumonia. Information is included on the microbiology, classification and laboratory diagnosis of the organism. Details of a series of studies of both endemic and epidemic respiratory infections are reviewed to present information on both the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of infection with strain TWAR. Laboratory studies of antibiotic sensitivity and recommendations for treatment are presented.