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Persistent Q fever and ischaemic stroke in elderly patients
S González-Quijada1, E Salazar-Thieroldt1, M J Mora-Simón2
1Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario de Burgos, Burgos, Spain.
Summary
Chronic Q fever infection is linked to an increased risk of stroke in elderly patients. High levels of cytomegalovirus antibodies also correlate with stroke risk.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The association between chronic Q fever and stroke risk remains unclear.
- Q fever is caused by Coxiella burnetii, a bacterium.
- Stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if persistent or chronic Q fever is a risk factor for ischemic stroke.
- To explore the association of Q fever, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) with stroke.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 634 elderly patients (111 cases with stroke, 523 controls).
- Serological testing for IgG antibodies against Coxiella burnetii, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and CMV using immunofluorescence and ELISA.
- Statistical analysis including odds ratios and confidence intervals, adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors.
Main Results:
- Elevated IgG antibody titers against Coxiella burnetii (≥1:256), indicative of chronic Q fever, were found in 14.5% of cases versus 6.1% of controls (OR 2.6).
- This association remained significant after adjusting for multiple risk factors (aOR 2.6).
- High IgG antibody levels against CMV were also associated with ischemic stroke (OR 2.1), but not C. pneumoniae.
Conclusions:
- Serological evidence of persistent or chronic Q fever is associated with ischemic stroke in the elderly.
- High levels of IgG antibodies against CMV, but not C. pneumoniae, are also linked to ischemic stroke in this population.
- These findings suggest potential infectious triggers for stroke in older adults.
Keywords:
Cerebrovascular diseaseChlamydia penumoniae serologyCoxiella burnetiiQ feverQ fever serologycytomegalovirus serologyischaemic strokeMore Related Videos
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