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[The frequency of some infections in patients with coronary artery disease]

O V Reshetnikov, S K Maliutina, Iu P Nikitin

    Klinicheskaia Meditsina
    |March 29, 2008
    PubMed

    Insights

    This study found that a higher number of infections in individuals is linked to increased coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. While IgE levels were higher in CAD patients, only opisthorchosis showed a direct link to the disease.

    Area of Science:

    • Infectious Diseases
    • Cardiology
    • Immunology

    Background:

    • Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
    • The role of infectious agents in the development of CAD is an area of ongoing research.
    • Previous studies suggest potential links between specific infections and cardiovascular health.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the association between specific infective and parasite agents and the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD).
    • To examine the relationship between immunoglobulin levels (IgM, IgG, IgE) and CAD.
    • To determine if the burden of infection correlates with CAD risk factors.

    Main Methods:

    • A random population sample of 389 adults aged 25-64 years was studied.
    • Immune-enzyme assay was used to measure IgM and IgG antibodies against seven agents: Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida albicans, Opisthorchis felineus, and Giardia lamblia.
    • Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were also measured.

    Main Results:

    • Individuals with CAD exhibited significantly higher IgE levels compared to controls.
    • The elevated IgE level was not associated with most infections studied, except for Opisthorchis felineus.
    • A higher incidence of certain pathogens was observed in CAD patients.
    • A greater total number of detected infections per individual correlated with a higher frequency of CAD and certain atherosclerotic risk factors.

    Conclusions:

    • The overall infectious burden, rather than specific individual infections (barring opisthorchosis), may play a role in the pathogenesis of CAD.
    • Elevated IgE levels in CAD patients warrant further investigation, particularly in relation to parasitic infections.
    • These findings suggest a multifactorial etiology for CAD, potentially involving infectious triggers and immune responses.

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