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The relationship between Chlamydophila pneumoniae IgG titer and coronary atherosclerosis

Nihat Kalay1, Ilker Kutukoglu, Ibrahim Ozdogru

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Sorgun State Hospital, Yozgat, Turkey. nihatkalay@hotmail.com

Cardiology Journal
|July 25, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Chlamydophila pneumoniae (CP) IgG antibody titers correlate with increased severity of coronary atherosclerosis, particularly at higher levels. However, CP infection shows a limited effect on the clinical presentation of coronary artery disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pathology

Background:

  • The role of Chlamydophila pneumoniae (CP) in atherosclerosis progression remains controversial.
  • Limited angiographic studies exist on CP infection's impact on coronary atherosclerosis severity and intensity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between CP IgG antibody titers and the severity and intensity of coronary atherosclerosis.
  • To assess the association between CP infection and coronary artery disease presentation.

Main Methods:

  • Coronary angiography was performed on 516 patients (353 with CAD, 163 controls).
  • Chlamydophila pneumoniae IgG antibody titers were measured using enzyme immunoassay.
  • Gensini and extent scores evaluated angiographic atherosclerosis severity and extent.

Main Results:

  • No significant correlation was found between Gensini/extent scores and overall CP IgG titers.
  • Patients with high CP IgG titers (>50 IU/mL) had more diseased coronary arteries (p=0.01).
  • High CP IgG titers were associated with significantly higher Gensini scores (p=0.01), but not extent scores (p=0.08).

Conclusions:

  • CP IgG antibody titers are associated with coronary stenosis severity at higher levels.
  • No association exists between CP antibody titers and the clinical presentation of coronary artery disease.
  • CP appears to have a limited effect on coronary atherosclerosis.
Abstract

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