Evaluation of the role of Chlamydia pneumoniae in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis - a review

Journal of Clinical and Basic Cardiology 2000; 3 (3): 155-158

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Keywords: Chlamydia pneumoniae,  Koronare Herzkrankheit,  Pathogenese,  Chlamydia pneumoniae,  coronary heart disease,  pathogenesis

In recent years inflammatory changes attributable to auto-immune processes or infection have been discussed, in addition to the classic risk factors, as possible causes of atherosclerosis. An association between atherosclerosis and Chlamydia pneumoniae (CP) has been reported by several epidemiological studies. It is hypothesized that infection with CP can promote the progression of coronary heart disease by triggering either a local vascular or systemic inflammatory process. The studies conducted to date have reached contradictory conclusions about the pathogenic relevance of Chlamydia pneumoniae in coronary heart disease. The serological studies are hampered by the difficulty in controlling the impact of other risk factors and the frequent absence of angiographic validation. Moreover, no correlation has been found between positive serum antibodies and the direct isolation of Chlamydia pneumoniae from coronary plaque. Chlamydia pneumoniae was directly demonstrated in coronary plaque at rates ranging from 0 % to 100 %. The results of studies performed with macrolide antibiotics are conflicting and do not necessarily prove that Chlamydia pneumoniae plays a key role in causing atherosclerosis or triggering acute coronary syndromes. J Clin Basic Cardiol 2000; 3: 155-158.