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Chlamydia psittaci Infection in nongastrointestinal extranodal MALT lymphomas and their precursor lesions

Ariane Aigelsreiter1, Tanja Gerlza, Alexander J A Deutsch

  • 1Department of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Austria.

American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|December 22, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Chlamydia psittaci DNA was detected in nongastrointestinal MALT lymphomas and autoimmune precursor lesions. This suggests Chlamydia psittaci may play a role in MALT lymphoma development.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Extranodal marginal zone lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) are linked to infectious agents.
  • The role of specific Chlamydia species in MALT lymphomagenesis requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the presence of Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Chlamydia trachomatis DNA in various MALT lymphomas and related conditions.
  • To explore the association between C. psittaci infection and nongastrointestinal MALT lymphomas and autoimmune precursor lesions.

Main Methods:

  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and direct sequencing were used to detect Chlamydia DNA.
  • Samples included 47 nongastrointestinal MALT lymphomas, 14 gastrointestinal MALT lymphomas, 37 nonmalignant controls, and 27 autoimmune precursor lesions.

Main Results:

  • C. psittaci DNA was found in 28% of nongastrointestinal MALT lymphomas, significantly higher than in controls (11%).
  • Variable C. psittaci detection rates were observed in different MALT lymphoma sites, with 100% in lung MALT lymphomas.
  • C. psittaci DNA was also detected in 41% of autoimmune precursor lesions (Hashimoto thyroiditis, Sjögren syndrome).
  • All samples were negative for C. trachomatis and C. pneumoniae.

Conclusions:

  • C. psittaci infection is associated with nongastrointestinal MALT lymphomas and autoimmune precursor lesions.
  • The findings suggest a potential role for C. psittaci in antigen-driven MALT lymphomagenesis.

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