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Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA detection in peripheral blood mononuclear cells is predictive of vascular infection
1Istituto di Tisiologia e Malattie dell'Apparato Respiratorio, Università degli Studi di Milano, Pad. Litta, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore di Milano. via F. Sforza, 35 I-20122 Milano, Italy. francesco.blasi@unimi.it
Abstract:
Abdominal aortic aneurysm tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 41 consecutive subjects undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Helicobacter pylori DNA. Twenty patients (49%) were positive for C. pneumoniae DNA-16 (39%) in both PBMC and aneurysm tissue, 3 (7.3%) in PBMC only, and 1 (2.4%) in the artery specimen only. Previous exposure to C. pneumoniae was confirmed in 19 (95%) of the 20 PCR positive subjects by C. pneumoniae-specific serology, using the microimmunofluorescence test. None was positive for H. pylori or M. pneumoniae DNA, either in the PBMC or in the artery specimens. In conclusion, carriage of C. pneumoniae DNA is common both in PBMC and in abdominal aortic tissue from patients undergoing abdominal aneurysm surgery. Blood PCR may be a useful tool for identifying subjects carrying C. pneumoniae in the vascular wall.
Insights
Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA was frequently detected in both blood and abdominal aortic aneurysm tissue of surgery patients. Blood polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may help identify C. pneumoniae in vascular walls.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiovascular Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are associated with various pathogens.
- Chlamydia pneumoniae has been implicated in cardiovascular diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Helicobacter pylori DNA in AAA tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
- To assess the utility of blood PCR for detecting C. pneumoniae in vascular walls.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of AAA tissue and PBMCs from 41 patients.
- C. pneumoniae-specific serology (microimmunofluorescence test) for confirmation of exposure.
Main Results:
- Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA was detected in 49% of patients, with 39% positive in both PBMCs and aneurysm tissue.
- None of the patients were positive for Helicobacter pylori or Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA.
- Serology confirmed previous C. pneumoniae exposure in 95% of PCR-positive subjects.
Conclusions:
- Carriage of C. pneumoniae DNA is common in both PBMCs and abdominal aortic tissue of patients undergoing AAA surgery.
- Blood PCR is a potentially valuable tool for identifying individuals with C. pneumoniae in their vascular walls.