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Increased aortic intima-media thickness in 11-year-old healthy children with persistent Chlamydia pneumoniae

Iina Volanen1, Mikko J Järvisalo, Raija Vainionpää

  • 1Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. iina.volanen@utu.fi

Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology
|January 7, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Persistent Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn) infection in children is linked to thicker aortic walls, a potential early sign of atherosclerosis. This finding suggests Cpn may impact the aorta, even in healthy youth.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • The link between Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn) infection and early atherosclerosis markers is debated.
  • Atherosclerosis development begins in childhood, necessitating early detection strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between Cpn seropositivity and arterial measures of preclinical atherosclerosis in children.
  • To examine intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid and aortic arteries and brachial artery endothelial function in relation to Cpn infection.

Main Methods:

  • 199 healthy children were followed from ages 7 to 11, with annual assessments.
  • Cpn-specific IgG and IgA antibodies were measured via enzyme immunoassay.
  • Carotid IMT (cIMT), aortic IMT (aIMT), and brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) were assessed using ultrasound at age 11.

Main Results:

  • Children with persistent Cpn seropositivity showed significantly increased aortic IMT (aIMT) compared to seronegative or transiently seropositive children.
  • No significant association was found between Cpn seropositivity and carotid IMT (cIMT) or brachial artery FMD.
  • The observed trend in aIMT was independent of traditional atherosclerotic risk factors and pubertal stage.

Conclusions:

  • Persistent Cpn seropositivity in 11-year-old children is associated with increased aortic IMT.
  • These findings suggest Chlamydia pneumoniae may specifically affect the aortic wall in children.
  • The aorta, a site of early atherosclerotic lesions, may be impacted by Cpn infection, indicating potential long-term cardiovascular implications.
Abstract

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