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Chlamydia pneumoniae in atherosclerotic tissue.
D Taylor-Robinson1, B J Thomas
1Department of Genitourinary Medicine and Communicable Diseases, Imperial College School of Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London W2 1NY, UK.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|June 6, 2000
Summary
Chlamydia pneumoniae bacteria were frequently found in arteries affected by atherosclerosis, even in early stages and young individuals. Its exact role in causing this cardiovascular disease remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular pathology
- Infectious disease research
- Microbiology
Background:
- Chlamydia pneumoniae has been implicated in cardiovascular diseases.
- Numerous studies have investigated its presence in atherosclerotic lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize findings on Chlamydia pneumoniae detection in human atherosclerotic arteries.
- To highlight the prevalence and location of the organism in relation to atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of nearly 30 publications from 1992 to 1999.
- Detection of Chlamydia pneumoniae in arterial samples from various studies.
- Analysis of organism presence in relation to lesion severity and patient demographics.
Main Results:
- Chlamydia pneumoniae was commonly identified in atherosclerotic lesions of major arteries, including the aorta, iliac, and femoral arteries.
- The organism was detected in subjects as young as 15 years and in early atherosclerotic lesions (fatty streaks).
- High prevalence (71%) of C. pneumoniae was noted in atheromatous arteries of South African subjects compared to non-atheromatous arteries (9%).
Conclusions:
- The presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae in atherosclerotic plaques is well-established.
- The specific role of Chlamydia pneumoniae in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis remains to be elucidated.