What is a potential late-onset symptom of neonatal chlamydia?

In cases of neonatal chlamydia, a potential late-onset symptom is pneumonia that can manifest at around 3 to 4 months of age. Chlamydia trachomatis can lead to a variety of respiratory complications; infants exposed at birth may initially be asymptomatic but can later develop respiratory distress due to chlamydial pneumonia. This type of pneumonia is characterized by a gradual onset, which can occur as the infant's immune system matures and the bacterial infection becomes more pronounced.

Chlamydia pneumonitis often results from exposure during delivery when the mother's cervix is colonized. While conjunctivitis is typically an early manifestation occurring within the first two weeks, and gastrointestinal symptoms like gastroenteritis would not be indicative of chlamydial infection, the development of pneumonia later on highlights the organism's potential long-term impact. Neurological deficits are not directly associated with chlamydia infection, making pneumonia an important symptom to consider for late-onset complications.