Chlamydial pneumonia in infants usually shows which of the following characteristics?

Chlamydial pneumonia in infants usually shows which of the following characteristics?

• A. It is usually seen in infants 3-16 weeks with tachypnea and conjunctivitis in about 50%
• B. It presents with high fever and toxic appearance
• C. Chest X-ray shows lobar consolidation
• D. Conjunctivitis never occurs

Answer: (A)

This is about the typical presentation of Chlamydia trachomatis pneumonia in infants. It usually appears around 3–16 weeks of life with tachypnea, and conjunctivitis occurs in about half of cases. Fever tends to be low-grade or absent, and the child may not look severely ill. Chest radiographs commonly show diffuse interstitial markings with hyperinflation rather than focal lobar consolidation. So the combination of timing (3–16 weeks), tachypnea, and conjunctivitis fits best. High fever and a toxic appearance are not characteristic, and conjunctivitis can occur, so saying it never occurs is incorrect. Lobar consolidation on imaging is not typical for this infection.

This is about the typical presentation of Chlamydia trachomatis pneumonia in infants. It usually appears around 3–16 weeks of life with tachypnea, and conjunctivitis occurs in about half of cases. Fever tends to be low-grade or absent, and the child may not look severely ill. Chest radiographs commonly show diffuse interstitial markings with hyperinflation rather than focal lobar consolidation. So the combination of timing (3–16 weeks), tachypnea, and conjunctivitis fits best. High fever and a toxic appearance are not characteristic, and conjunctivitis can occur, so saying it never occurs is incorrect. Lobar consolidation on imaging is not typical for this infection.