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Case Reports
. 2025 Mar 31;15(1):77-82.
doi: 10.18683/germs.2025.1457. eCollection 2025 Mar.

Acute Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in a child, complicated by retrobulbar optic neuritis

Gheorghiţă Jugulete  1 , Bianca Borcoş  2 , Mădălina Maria Merişescu  3
Affiliations
Case Reports

Acute Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in a child, complicated by retrobulbar optic neuritis

Gheorghiţă Jugulete et al. Germs. .

Abstract

Introduction: This case highlights a rare and significant complication of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection: optic neuritis (ON). Acute Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in children typically presents with respiratory tract symptoms and may occasionally lead to complications or sequelae. ON is a condition most commonly associated with viral infections or other demyelinating diseases.

Case report: The patient, a 10-year-old girl, initially presented with the typical systemic symptoms of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection, including fever, chills, and headache, in addition to an atypical symptom-chromatic deficit, or visual disturbances. This prompted further investigation into potential neurological complications, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of ON. The case underscores the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic workup, including serological testing (IgM ELISA) and PCR analysis of nasopharyngeal specimens, to confirm the underlying infection. Additionally, imaging studies (CT, MRI) and consultations with specialists in neurology and ophthalmology were critical for excluding other potential causes and assessing the extent of complications. The rapid and favorable response to treatment highlights the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management.

Conclusions: Although ON is a rare complication of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection, it should be considered in pediatric patients with unexplained visual symptoms, particularly when the clinical course does not improve or worsens despite treatment for the primary infection. This case further emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in managing complex cases and the need for vigilant monitoring of potential neurological complications in children with respiratory infections.

Keywords: Chlamydia pneumoniae; Optic neuritis; child.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: All authors – none to declare.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
The image represents a visual field examination, illustrating red-green dyschromatopsia, a characteristic finding in cases of optic neuritis; (A) Right eye; (B) B Left eye.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Brain MRI - optic nerves; (A) T2 sequence, native axial; (B) T1 sequence, axial contrast.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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