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[Chronic bacterial-and-viral vasculitis as a possible risk factor of disordered stability of the coronary

T G Kvantaliani1, N Sh Pargalava, P A Tsiklauri

  • 1Institute of Cardiology named after Academician M D Tsinamdzgvrishvili, Scientific Research Laboratory Test House of Physicians, Centre of Angiology and Vascular Surgery named after N K Bokhua, Tbilisi, Georgia.

Angiologiia I Sosudistaia Khirurgiia = Angiology and Vascular Surgery
|July 21, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Chronic infections, including bacterial and viral pathogens, can disrupt stable coronary heart disease (CHD). A triad of symptoms indicates recurrent infection, potentially triggering acute ischemic events in CHD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Coronary heart disease (CHD) course can be complicated by chronic infections.
  • The role of specific infections like Chlamydia pneumoniae, HSV-1, CMV, and EBV in CHD exacerbation requires further investigation.
  • Lipid peroxidation and vascular inflammation are implicated in atherosclerotic processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate plasma and vascular markers in CHD patients with chronic bacterial and viral infections.
  • To identify indicators of disease progression from stable CHD to acute coronary syndrome.
  • To explore the link between specific infections and inflammatory vascular changes.

Main Methods:

  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for antibodies to Chlamydia pneumoniae, HSV-1, CMV, and EBV.
  • Measurement of plasma lipid hydrogen peroxide (LHP) activity.
  • Duplex ultrasonography (DU) for assessing major vessel condition.
  • Comparison of CHD patients with infections (stable and acute) against infected individuals without CHD and CHD patients without infection.

Main Results:

  • A triad of symptoms was identified, signaling a recurrent phase of chronic infection.
  • This recurrent infection phase, combined with atherosclerosis risk factors, can destabilize CHD and lead to acute ischemic attacks.
  • Duplex ultrasonography confirmed infectious-origin inflammatory lesions in vessels.

Conclusions:

  • Chronic bacterial and viral infections play a significant role in the destabilization of coronary heart disease.
  • Specific antibody profiles and elevated LHP activity may indicate a heightened risk of acute coronary events.
  • Infectious-inflammatory processes are key contributors to vascular damage in complicated CHD.

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