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Chlamydia pneumoniae in infrequently examined blood vessels
D Taylor-Robinson1, B J Thomas, R Goldin
1Department of Genitourinary Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine, St Mary's Campus, Paddington, London, UK.
Insights
Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA was frequently found in diseased arteries and veins, but not in healthy vessels. This suggests a link between this bacterium and vascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Chlamydia pneumoniae is a bacterium implicated in cardiovascular disease.
- Its presence in various blood vessels, particularly those affected by disease, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA in infrequently examined blood vessels.
- To assess the association between Chlamydia pneumoniae and diseased versus healthy vascular tissue.
Main Methods:
- Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay used to detect Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA.
- Vessel specimens were obtained during coronary artery bypass surgery from 21 individuals.
- Analysis included atheromatous and non-atheromatous aorta, internal mammary arteries, and saphenous veins.
Main Results:
- Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA was detected in diseased ascending aorta, internal mammary artery, and saphenous vein specimens.
- The bacterium was absent in non-atheromatous aorta and disease-free saphenous vein specimens.
- A significant association was found between C. pneumoniae presence and diseased vessels (p < 0.00001).
Conclusions:
- Chlamydia pneumoniae is frequently present in diseased arterial and venous tissues.
- The bacterium appears to colonize diseased areas, sparing apparently healthy vessel segments.
- Findings support a role for Chlamydia pneumoniae in the pathogenesis of vascular disease.
Aim:
To determine the prevalence of Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA in infrequently examined blood vessels.
Methods:
Vessels obtained from 15 men and six women at coronary artery bypass surgery were tested by a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for C pneumoniae DNA.
Results:
Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA was detected in four of six atheromatous ascending aorta specimens but in none of eight non-atheromatous aorta specimens, in six of 11 atheromatous internal mammary artery specimens but in none of seven non-atheromatous internal mammary artery specimens, in five of seven long saphenous vein specimens showing evidence of disease but in none of 12 specimens without evidence of disease, and in two of three previously grafted veins. Overall, C pneumoniae occurred significantly more often in diseased than in normal vessels (p = < 0.00001).
Conclusions:
Chlamydia pneumoniae is often present in diseased areas of arteries, including the internal mammary arteries, and even in diseased areas of veins. It is not present in apparently healthy areas of either type of vessel.