Recurrent pneumonia due to persistent Chlamydia pneumoniae infection

Two cases of recurrent pneumonia due to Chlamydia pneumoniae are described. C. pneumoniae was continuously detected from the nasopharynx in both patients by the polymerase chain reaction and/or culture even with appropriate antibiotic therapy during the first episode. After eradication of C. pneumoniae with long-term macrolide therapy, the respiratory symptoms of both patients completely disappeared and no relapse was observed. These data indicate that new treatment strategies may be necessary to eradicate the organism in patients prone to persistent infection.