Chlamydia Pneumoniae IgM antibodies

Chlamydia Pneumoniae IgM antibodies is a laboratory blood test designed to detect acute or recently started infection with the bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae. This bacterium spreads by airborne droplets and infects the respiratory tract mucous membranes. It can cause pharyngitis, laryngitis, sinusitis or atypical pneumonia.

The infection is characterized by a dry, persistent cough that can last for several weeks. Not everyone who has chlamydia or mycoplasma in their nasopharynx gets sick—it depends on the body's resistance, but they can still infect others.

IgM antibodies appear in the body 2-3 weeks after infection, so they may not be detectable in the early stages of the disease. Later, the IgM concentration decreases, but low titers can persist for up to a year. In the case of reinfection, the IgM response may be weak or not appear at all.

Test principle: Chlamydia pneumoniae IgM antibodies are determined by an immunochemical method from venous blood. The test helps diagnose acute infection, especially when symptoms persist or are atypical.

Recommendations:

• Recommended for patients with a prolonged cough or nonspecific upper respiratory tract symptoms.
• Useful in suspected atypical pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, or sinusitis.
• Performed together with the IgG antibody test to accurately determine the stage of infection.
• No specific preparation is required for the test.