A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Parachlamydia acanthamoebae Detected during a Pneumonia Outbreak in Southeastern Finland, in 2017-2018
Authors: Hokynar K, Kurkela S, Nieminen T, Saxen H, Vesterinen EJ, Mannonen L, Pietikainen R, Puolakkainen M
Publisher: MDPI
Publication year: 2019
Journal: Microorganisms
Journal name in source: MICROORGANISMS
Journal acronym: MICROORGANISMS
Article number: 141
Volume: 7
Issue: 5
Number of pages: 9
ISSN: 2076-2607
eISSN: 2076-2607
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms7050141
Web address : https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/7/5/141
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/41310717
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common disease responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. However, the definite etiology of CAP often remains unresolved, suggesting that unknown agents of pneumonia remain to be identified. The recently discovered members of the order Chlamydiales, Chlamydia-related bacteria (CRB), are considered as possible emerging agents of CAP. Parachlamydia acanthamoebae is the most studied candidate. It survives and replicates inside free-living amoeba, which it might potentially use as a vehicle to infect animals and humans. A Mycoplasma pneumoniae outbreak was observed in Kymenlaakso region in Southeastern Finland during August 2017-January 2018. We determined the occurrence of Chlamydiales bacteria and their natural host, free-living amoeba in respiratory specimens collected during this outbreak with molecular methods. Altogether, 22/278 (7.9%) of the samples contained Chlamydiales DNA. By sequence analysis, majority of the CRBs detected were members of the Parachlamydiaceae family. Amoebal DNA was not detected within the sample material. Our study further proposes that Parachlamydiaceae could be a potential agent causing atypical CAP in children and adolescents.
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