Evaluation of two real-time PCR chemistries for the detection of Chlamydophila pneumoniae in clinical specimens.

Abstract Chlamydophila pneumoniae is an atypical bacterial respiratory pathogen that is responsible for ∼3–10% of community-acquired pneumonia cases. We report the evaluation of two distinct real-time PCR assays for rapid and specific detection of C. pneumoniae . We tested 401 clinical specimens, finding 5.7% positive, and confirmed a localized outbreak.