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Detection of Chlamydia pneumoniae in atherosclerotic coronary arteries

R Sessa1, M Di Pietro, G Schiavoni

  • 1Dipartimento di Scienze di Sanità Pubblica, University of Rome, La Sapienza, Rome, Italy. rosa.sessa@uniroma1.it

International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology
|October 6, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Chlamydia pneumoniae infection is linked to coronary heart disease. This study found C. pneumoniae DNA more frequently in advanced atherosclerotic arteries, suggesting a role in disease severity.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  • Molecular Pathology

Background:

  • Sero-epidemiological studies and direct detection link Chlamydia pneumoniae to coronary heart disease.
  • The role of C. pneumoniae in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence of C. pneumoniae in human coronary arteries using a semi-nested PCR approach.
  • To evaluate the association between C. pneumoniae infection and the extent of coronary atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • Semi-nested PCR was used to detect C. pneumoniae DNA in 180 coronary artery segments from 60 autopsy subjects.
  • Arterial segments were classified as normal or atherosclerotic, with atherosclerosis graded using the Stary classification.
  • Thirty normal coronary arteries served as controls.

Main Results:

  • C. pneumoniae DNA was detected in 31.7% of subjects with atherosclerotic coronary arteries, versus 0% in normal arteries (p=0.001).
  • The organism's DNA was found in 3.4% of mild atherosclerotic lesions and 14.0% of advanced lesions (p=0.05).
  • A significant association was observed between C. pneumoniae DNA presence and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

  • The findings suggest a potential association between Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the causal relationship and mechanisms involved.

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