Pathogenesis of Chlamydophila pneumoniae infections — epidemiology, immunity, cell biology, virulence factors

Chlamydophila (Chlamydia) pneumoniae, a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium, is a widespread respiratory pathogen causing sinusitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. Repetitive or chronic persistent infections have been associated with an increased risk for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or vascular lesions. Although the genome ofC. pneumoniaehas been sequenced completely this information has not led yet to an understanding of the mechanisms of infection and target cell activation nor to the identification of potential chlamydial virulence factors. In this review we will give an overview on the pathogenesis ofC. pneumoniae-induced acute and chronic infections.