Chlamydial and mycoplasmal infections

Abstract

Chlamydial and mycoplasmal infections of newborn infants are not uncommon, but often remain unrecognized. <i>Chlamydia trachomatis</i> is an important sexually transmissible pathogen and neonatal infection causes specific, usually focal manifestations in the infant which are not usually difficult to diagnose and treat if appropriate investigations are performed. Neonatal chlamydial infection is an important marker of maternal infection, which may otherwise be overlooked. <i>Mycoplasma hominis</i> and <i>Ureaplasma urealyticum</i> are part of the normal genital flora and opportunistic pathogens. <i>M. hominis</i> is an uncommon neonatal pathogen but occasionally causes invasive, often chronic, infection, especially of the nervous system. The role of <i>U. urealyticum</i> in perinatal morbidity and mortality remains incompletely defined. It is a well-documented cause of congenital pneumonia particularly, but not exclusively, in premature infants and it can also cause invasive infection and meningitis. It is strongly associated with preterm delivery, respiratory distress and increased perinatal mortality and there is strong evidence of a significant independent role in the development of chronic neonatal lung disease. Prospective studies are needed to determine the role of antibiotic therapy in reducing the morbidity associated with perinatal respiratory infection due to <i>U. urealyticum</i>.