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The possible role of hepatitis A virus in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis

J Zhu1, A A Quyyumi, J E Norman

  • 1Cardiovascular Research Institute, MedStar Research Institute, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|November 9, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is linked to coronary artery disease (CAD). HAV-seropositive patients showed higher CAD prevalence and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, suggesting HAV may contribute to atherosclerosis.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
  • The role of infectious agents, including hepatitis A virus (HAV), in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is under investigation.
  • Inflammation, indicated by C-reactive protein (CRP), is a key factor in CAD development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection and the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD).
  • To determine if HAV seropositivity is an independent risk factor for CAD.
  • To examine the relationship between HAV infection and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients undergoing coronary angiography.

Main Methods:

  • Serum IgG antibodies to HAV and CRP levels were measured in 391 patients undergoing coronary angiography.
  • Prevalence of CAD was compared between HAV-seropositive and HAV-seronegative individuals.
  • Logistic regression analysis was used to assess HAV seropositivity as an independent predictor of CAD and elevated CRP, adjusting for traditional risk factors and other infectious agents.

Main Results:

  • 52% of patients were positive for anti-HAV IgG antibodies.
  • CAD prevalence was significantly higher in HAV-seropositive patients (74%) compared to HAV-seronegative patients (52%) (P<.0001).
  • CRP levels were significantly higher in HAV-seropositive patients (P=.013), and HAV seropositivity independently predicted both CAD and elevated CRP.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is significantly associated with coronary artery disease (CAD).
  • HAV seropositivity is an independent predictor of CAD risk and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.
  • These findings suggest a potential causal role for HAV in the development of atherosclerosis.

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