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Past infection by Chlamydia pneumoniae strain TWAR and asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis

Authors :
Melnick, Sandra L.
Shahar, Eyal
Folsom, Aaron R.
Grayston, J. Thomas
Sorlie, Paul D.
Wang, San-Pin
Szklo, Moyses
Source :
American Journal of Medicine. Nov, 1993, Vol. 95 Issue 5, p499, 6 p.
Publication Year :
1993

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine whether past infection by Chlamydia pneumoniae strain TWAR is associated with asymptomatic atherosclerosis. Previous studies have linked this organism with symptomatic coronary heart disease. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between 1986 and 1989, 15,800 men and women aged 45 to 64 years were examined as part of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, a prospective cohort study of atherosclerosis being conducted in 4 United States communities. The examination included B-mode ultrasonography of the carotid arteries and an assessment of cardiovascular disease risk factors. Carotid wall thickening (blood-intima to media1-adventitial interface) in the absence of clinical cardiovascular disease was considered evidence of asymptom-tic atherosclerosis. In 1991, IgG antibody titers to TWAR were assayed by microimmunofiuorescence in stored sera from 326 case-control pairs matched by age group, race, sex, examination period, and field center. A titer of 1:8 or higher was considered a positive TWAR antibody response. RESULTS: Seventy-three percent of atherosclerosis cases had serologic evidence of past TWAR infection versus 63% of controls (matched odds ratio 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.21 to 2.57). After adjustment for age, hypertension, diabetes, cigarette smoking, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and education, the odds ratio for atherosclerosis was essentially unchanged at 2.00 (95% confidence interval, 1.19 to 3.35). The association was stronger for individuals aged 45 to 54 years than for those aged 55 to 64 years. CONCLUSION: There was a significant crosssectional association between past TWAR infection and asymptomatic atherosclerosis. This organism may be a contributor to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Details

ISSN :
00029343
Volume :
95
Issue :
5
Database :
Gale General OneFile
Journal :
American Journal of Medicine
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
edsgcl.14720084