Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
08:25
Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling
Published on: April 7, 2015
Is Chlamydia pneumoniae a risk factor for peripheral atherosclerosis?
Hasim Ustünsoy1, Cumhur Sivrikoz, Fatma Sirmatel
1Gaziantep University Medical Faculty, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Bulvari University, Gaziantep 27310, Turkey. hustunsoy@yahoo.com
Asian Cardiovascular & Thoracic Annals
|January 25, 2007
Summary
Chlamydia pneumoniae infection may be a risk factor for peripheral atherosclerosis. Treatment targeting this infection, alongside antiplatelet therapy, improved clinical outcomes and ankle-brachial index in patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Chlamydia pneumoniae is linked to coronary atherosclerosis.
- Its role in peripheral atherosclerosis is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Chlamydia pneumoniae as a potential risk factor for peripheral atherosclerosis.
- To evaluate the impact of anti-chlamydial treatment on peripheral atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Measured Chlamydia pneumoniae immunoglobulin-G antibodies in 75 peripheral atherosclerosis patients and controls.
- Analyzed atherosclerotic plaques for foam cells.
- Compared outcomes in patients receiving anti-chlamydial and antiplatelet therapy versus antiplatelet therapy alone.
Main Results:
- Chlamydia pneumoniae immunoglobulin-G seroprevalence was 80% in patients vs. 40% in controls.
- Infected patients showed more foam cells in plaques.
- Treatment with anti-chlamydial agents correlated with improved ankle-brachial index and clinical findings.
Conclusions:
- Chlamydia pneumoniae may be a significant risk factor for peripheral atherosclerosis.
- Targeting Chlamydia pneumoniae infection may improve outcomes in peripheral atherosclerosis patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
01:30Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
01:27Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
01:14Atypical Pneumonia
Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...