Evaluation of Association between <i>Chlamydophila pneumoniae</i> and Atherosclerotic Plaques in Coronary Artery Disease Patients with Abnormal Angiography

Abstract

The role of Chlamydophila pneumoniae in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is one of the most important discussions in coronary artery diseases. In this study, the relationship between C. pneumoniae seropositivity and atherosclerotic plaque was evaluated among two groups: one group with significant coronary stenosis and one group with normal coronary angiography. Serum C. pneumonia IgM and IgG were evaluated and compared in case and control groups. The seropositivity rates of IgM and IgG antibodies were not statistically differ between case and control groups, although the incidences of positivity were more in case group. The results of our study did not show a correlation between C. pneumonia infection and atherosclerotic plaque or coronary artery stenosis neither in acute nor in chronic infection. More precise studies are needed to clarify the probable inflammatory cascade that starts with C. pneumonia infection and lead to development of atherosclerotic plaque.