Chlamydia pneumoniae

Chlamydia pneumoniae (also known as Chlamydophila pneumoniae) is a gram-negative bacterium that is a common cause of community acquired pneumonia (CAP). Chlamydia pneumoniae most commonly cause upper respiratory tract infections, which can include

• Ear infections
• Sinus infections
• Sore throats

Chlamydia pneumoniae can also cause respiratory tract infections, like bronchitis and laryngitis.

People spread Chlamydia pneumoniae by coughing or sneezing, which creates small respiratory droplets that contain the bacteria. Other people can get infected if they breathe in those droplets. People can also get sick if they touch something with those droplets and then touch their mouth or nose.

It can take 3 to 4 weeks for symptoms to appear after someone has been exposed to the bacteria. Some people may become infected and have no symptoms.

For those with symptoms, the most common symptoms of C. pneumoniae infection include

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Hoarseness, weak voice, or loss of voice
• Low-grade temperature
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Slowly worsening cough

Symptoms can continue for several weeks after they start.

If NIAS staff are aware that the patient has a suspected or confirmed case this should be communicated to the Control Room (Emergency or Non-emergency as appropriate) and the staff in the receiving unit when transferring the patient to ensure effective patient care and management.

• Droplet precautions (FRSM) should be used for routine care.
• Airborne precautions (FFP3 mask) should be used if an aerosol generating procedures, for example intubation /extubation etc. is being undertaken.
• Hand Hygiene should be completed as per the 5 moments.
• Eye protection should be risk assessed for any concern regarding a splash risk.
• A Fluid Resistant Surgical Mask should be worn.
• Gloves and Aprons should be worn.
• The patient should be transported via ambulance with no other patients present.
• The patient should be asked to wear a Fluid Resistant Surgical Mask (if tolerated and does not interfere with their treatment needs)
• Laundry should be treated as contaminated, placed into an alginate bag and placed into a red laundry bag.

All equipment and the ambulance should have an in-between patient clean, paying particular attention to touch points.

If appropriate PPE is worn there is no follow up required for staff.

If staff have had a breach in PPE, they should remain vigilant for any signs or symptoms. There is no prophylaxis required and staff do not need to remain off work if asymptomatic.

If staff develop symptoms they should remain off work and contact their Line manager/ Occupational Health.