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Chlamydia pneumoniae infection associated with enhanced MRI spinal lesions in multiple sclerosis

Q Hao1, N Miyashita, M Matsui

  • 1Department of Neurology, Center for Neurological Diseases, Utano National Hospital, Kyoto, Japan.

Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|October 3, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is linked to active spinal lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, suggesting a recent infection. Chronic infection may also occur in stable MS cases.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS).
  • The role of infectious agents, such as Chlamydia pneumoniae, in MS pathogenesis is under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and significance of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with MS and other neurological diseases (OND).

Main Methods:

  • CSF samples from 66 MS patients and 25 OND patients were analyzed using culture, PCR, and antibody detection for C. pneumoniae.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to assess CNS lesions in relation to C. pneumoniae detection.

Main Results:

  • Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA was detected in 32% of MS patients and 13% of OND patients via PCR.
  • PCR positivity in MS correlated significantly with enhanced spinal MRI lesions (p = 0.0079), suggesting recent infection.
  • Elevated anti-C. pneumoniae IgG titers were found in 20% of MS patients.
  • No correlation was observed between enhanced brain MRI lesions and CSF C. pneumoniae DNA.

Conclusions:

  • Central nervous system Chlamydia pneumoniae infection is observed in MS and other inflammatory neurological disorders.
  • Association of spinal lesions with CSF Chlamydia suggests recent infection, while stable MS cases with positive PCR may indicate a chronic process.

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