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Chlamydia pneumoniae seropositivity in aetiological subtypes of brain infarction and carotid atherosclerosis: a case

S Alamowitch1, J Labreuche, P-J Touboul

  • 1Stroke Unit, Department of Neurology, Tenon University Hospital, AP-HP, 4 Rue de la Chine, Paris, France. sonia.alamowitch@tnn.aphp.fr

Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|October 4, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Chlamydia pneumoniae infection is not linked to brain infarction (BI) or carotid atherosclerosis. However, Chlamydia pneumoniae IgA antibodies may increase BI risk in normotensive individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiovascular Science

Background:

  • Brain infarction (BI) often occurs without traditional risk factors.
  • Infectious agents are potential contributors to stroke risk.
  • Investigating Chlamydia pneumoniae as a potential factor in BI is warranted.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and brain infarction (BI).
  • To examine this association across different etiological subtypes of BI.
  • To assess the link between Chlamydia pneumoniae and carotid atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • Serum IgG and IgA to Chlamydia pneumoniae were measured in 483 BI cases and 483 controls.
  • BI cases were confirmed by MRI and classified into etiological subtypes.
  • Carotid atherosclerosis was assessed using duplex ultrasonography.

Main Results:

  • Chlamydia pneumoniae IgG seropositivity showed no association with BI or its subtypes.
  • Chlamydia pneumoniae IgA seropositivity was not generally linked to BI.
  • IgA seropositivity increased BI risk in normotensive patients and those with BI of unknown cause.

Conclusions:

  • Chlamydia pneumoniae infection is not associated with carotid atherosclerosis or most BI subtypes.
  • A potential increased risk of BI exists in normotensive patients with Chlamydia pneumoniae IgA antibodies.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the role of Chlamydia pneumoniae in specific stroke populations.
Abstract

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