Enhanced progression of early carotid atherosclerosis is related to Chlamydia pneumoniae (Taiwan acute respiratory) seropositivity.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cp) infection has been associated with atherosclerosis and has been proposed as a possible additional cardiovascular risk factor. However, the relationship between Cp seropositivity and the progression of early carotid atherosclerosis is not unequivocally clarified. METHODS AND RESULTS: We evaluated the association between serological detection of Cp IgG and/or IgA antibodies and the progression of the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery using duplex ultrasonography in a prospective study with a follow-up of 3 years in 272 consecutive patients with cerebrovascular disease. Cp-seropositive patients showed a significantly enhanced progression of the IMT even after adjustment for other cardiovascular risk factors (0.12 mm/y [95% CI 0.11 to 0.14] versus 0.07 mm/y [0.05 to 0.09]; P:<0.005). Patients with increased C-reactive protein (>/=0.5 mg/dL) and Cp seropositivity showed the most pronounced IMT progression. Multivariate regression analysis revealed Cp seropositivity to be an independent risk factor for progression of early carotid atherosclerosis. Cox proportional-hazard regression analysis demonstrated a significantly increased rate of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events in patients with Cp seropositivity, particularly in patients with increased C-reactive protein levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the importance of chronic inflammation and infection for the early stages of atherosclerotic development.