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Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection in patients undergoing carotid artery stent

F Mancini1, E Boatta, M F Vescio

  • 1Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie ed Immuno-mediate, Rome, Italy.

International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology
|January 20, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Chlamydophila pneumoniae (CP) infection is linked to symptomatic carotid artery disease. Stenting may reduce inflammation but not clear the persistent CP infection.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Chlamydophila pneumoniae (CP) infection is associated with cardiovascular conditions like carotid endarterectomy and coronary stenting.
  • However, the relationship between CP and carotid artery stenting (CAS) remains unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and impact of Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting.
  • To assess the correlation between CP infection markers and symptomatic versus asymptomatic carotid artery disease.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluated 47 patients (27 symptomatic, 20 asymptomatic) before and after CAS intervention.
  • Assessed for Chlamydophila pneumoniae DNA, anti-CP IgG and IgA antibodies, and chlamydial HSP60 (Cp-HSP60) antibodies.

Main Results:

  • CP DNA and antibodies were predominantly found in symptomatic patients before stenting.
  • Following CAS, CP DNA and Cp-HSP60 antibodies decreased significantly in positive cases.
  • CP IgA antibodies showed persistence, indicating no significant change post-intervention.

Conclusions:

  • Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection plays a significant role in symptomatic carotid artery disease patients.
  • Carotid artery stenting may contribute to the resolution of inflammation associated with CP infection.
  • Stent placement does not appear to eliminate persistent Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection.

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