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Association between Mycoplasma pneumonia and increased risk of ischemic stroke: a nationwide study

Chia-Hung Chiang1, Chin-Chou Huang, Wan-Leong Chan

  • 1Department of Medicine, Healthcare and Management Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, and National Yang-Ming University, No 201, Sec 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei, Taiwan.

Stroke
|July 30, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection is linked to a higher risk of developing ischemic stroke. This study found MP infection independently associated with increased stroke risk in patients.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  • Vascular Neurology
  • Cardiovascular Research

Background:

  • Infections are increasingly recognized as potential contributors to vascular diseases.
  • The specific link between Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and ischemic stroke risk has not been clearly established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and the subsequent development of ischemic stroke.
  • To determine if MP infection is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective cohort study comparing 1094 patients with MP infection to 5168 matched controls without MP.
  • Follow-up duration was up to 5 years (January 2003 to December 2007) to monitor for ischemic stroke incidence.
  • Statistical analyses included logrank tests and Cox regression models adjusted for relevant risk factors.

Main Results:

  • 49 cases of ischemic stroke were identified during the follow-up period.
  • Patients with MP infection showed a significantly higher incidence of ischemic stroke (1.10% vs. 0.72%, P=0.01).
  • MP infection remained an independent predictor of ischemic stroke (HR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.05-4.03) after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusions:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is independently associated with an increased risk of subsequent ischemic stroke.
  • Findings suggest a potential role for MP in the pathogenesis of ischemic vascular events.

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