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Chlamydia pneumoniae and progression of subclinical atherosclerosis

Marty S Player1, Arch G Mainous, Charles J Everett

  • 1Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.

European Journal of Preventive Cardiology
|December 21, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies are linked to increased coronary artery calcification (CAC) progression, especially in those with existing CAC. This finding aids in identifying individuals at higher risk for atherosclerosis progression.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  • Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

  • Previous studies found no link between Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies and coronary artery calcification (CAC) at a single point in time.
  • The impact of Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies on the *progression* of CAC over time remained uninvestigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies and the progression of CAC.
  • To determine the association between Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies and the progression of ankle-brachial index (ABI).

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), a prospective cohort study.
  • Analyzed CAC and ABI progression between baseline and a 3.13-year follow-up in 2223 participants.
  • Employed multivariate models to adjust for demographics, lifestyle factors, and baseline CAC levels.

Main Results:

  • 76% of participants tested positive for Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies.
  • Antibody-positive individuals showed significantly higher CAC progression (93.8 vs. 78.2 agatston units, p=0.02).
  • Higher CAC progression was observed in antibody-positive individuals with baseline CAC ≥10 (216.5 vs. 178.6, p=0.02).
  • Smoking and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) interacted with C. pneumoniae antibodies to accelerate CAC progression.
  • No significant difference in ABI progression was found based on antibody status.

Conclusions:

  • Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies are associated with accelerated CAC progression.
  • Individuals with existing CAC and C. pneumoniae antibodies are at increased risk for atherosclerotic progression.
  • These findings may inform risk stratification and targeted treatment strategies for atherosclerosis.
Abstract

Keywords:
AtherosclerosisChlamydia pneumoniaecoronary artery disease

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