Chlamydial infections in children and adolescents

Chlamydial infections have a growing significance for children and adolescents. In addition to biological and diagnostic aspects of chlamydial diseases this paper will deal with infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia psittaci. A detailed discussion of Chlamydia pneumoniae is included too. The incidence of infection within the general population is high. The initial contact with Chlamydia pneumoniae occurs most commonly in individuals between five to fifteen years of age. The symptoms of the initial or subsequent infections may range from that of a viral infection to a pneumonia episode.