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Chlamydia pneumoniae and the risk of first ischemic stroke : The Northern Manhattan Stroke Study

M S Elkind1, I F Lin, J T Grayston

  • 1Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, and the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center of New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA. mse13@columbia.edu

Stroke
|July 8, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Chronic Chlamydia pneumoniae infection is linked to ischemic stroke risk in a diverse population. Elevated IgA antibody titers, specifically, indicate a significant association with increased stroke risk, independent of other factors.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Chlamydia pneumoniae infection is linked to cardiovascular disease.
  • Limited data exists on its association with ischemic stroke.
  • This study investigates the chronic infection's role in ischemic stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if chronic Chlamydia pneumoniae infection is associated with ischemic stroke.
  • To examine this association in a multi-ethnic population.
  • To identify specific antibody types (IgG, IgA, IgM) as potential markers.

Main Methods:

  • Case-control study within the Northern Manhattan Stroke Study.
  • Cases: first ischemic stroke; Controls: matched by random digit dialing.
  • Chlamydia pneumoniae antibody titers (IgG, IgA, IgM) measured by microimmunofluorescence; adjusted logistic regression analysis.

Main Results:

  • Elevated Chlamydia pneumoniae IgA titers were significantly associated with ischemic stroke risk (adjusted OR 4.51).
  • IgG titers showed a weaker association (adjusted OR 2.59).
  • IgA association was consistent across demographics and showed a continuous risk increase with titer levels.

Conclusions:

  • Serological evidence of chronic Chlamydia pneumoniae infection is associated with ischemic stroke risk in an urban, multi-ethnic population.
  • IgA titers appear to be a stronger marker of stroke risk than IgG titers.
  • The association is independent of traditional vascular disease risk factors, warranting further research.
Abstract

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