Chlamydia and Atherosclerosis

Overview

A review of published data on the possible role of Chlamydia pneumoniae (C.p.) in the aetiologyof atherosclerosis is presented. Updated taxonomic criteria have introduced the new nameChlamydophila pneumoniae derived from the name of the new genus Chlamydophila. In hisarticle, the author adheres to the currently used nomenclature. The presence of chlamydiae inatherosclerotic lesions has been demonstrated by several methods, such as cultivation, electronmicroscopy, immunohistochemical tests, or polymerase chain reaction. The prevalence of bloodserum antibodies to C.p. antigens (particularly lipopolysaccharides) in patients suffering fromatherosclerosis and vascular complications associated therewith is significantly higher than inthe normal population. Although no exact proof of a causative role of C.p. in the developmentof atherosclerosis has been furnished so far, chronic C.p. infection must be regarded asa significant risk factor influencing the development of cardiovascular atherosclerotic complications.

Key words:
Chlamydia - atherosclerosis - vascular complications.