Korean Circ J.  2000 Apr;30(4):407-415. 10.4070/kcj.2000.30.4.407.

Chronic Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection as a Risk Factor for Acute Myocardial Infarction in Korea

• Lee EM
• Oh DJ
• Hwang GS
• Ahn JC
• Song WH
• Lim DS
• Park CG
• Kim YH
• Seo HS
• Shim WJ
• Ro YM
• Cheong HJ
• Kim WJ
• Kim JH
• Song KJ

• KMID: 2227365
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4070/kcj.2000.30.4.407

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between chronic infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae, as measured by Immunoglobulin G and A, and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Korea.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 136 patients [normal control 65 cases (male:female 27:8, mean age 55.1+/-11.7 years), AMI 71 cases (male:female 54:17, mean age 58.9+/-12.7 years)] had immunoglobulin G, A, and M antibody titers measured against Chlamydia pneumoniae by microimmunoflorescence assay and had coronary angiography performed. We investigated the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 6 month follow-up. Controls were defined as patients with no significant stenosis on coronary angiography.
RESULTS
1) AMI patients were more likely to be male (76.1: 41.5%) and smokers (67.6: 16.9%) compared with the controls. >2) In AMI patients, there was a weak correlation with IgG and IgA antibody titers (r=0.39, p=0.001).> 3) After adjusting for gender and smoking status, IgG and IgA antibody titers were similar between two groups.> 4) Increased IgG and IgA titers did not affect the MACE during follow-up.
CONCLUSION
Chronic Chlamydia pneumoniae infection detected by immunoglobulin assay is not significantly associated with AMI. Further studies, such as polymerase chain reaction, immunocytochemistry, or culture of the atheromatous plaques, are needed to better define the association.

Keyword

Acute myocardial infarction; Chlamydia pneumoniae; Immuonglobuli; Chlamydia pneumoniae

MeSH Terms

Chlamydia*
Chlamydophila pneumoniae*
Constriction, Pathologic
Coronary Angiography
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Immunoglobulin A
Immunoglobulin G
Immunoglobulins
Immunohistochemistry
Incidence
Korea*
Male
Myocardial Infarction*
Plaque, Atherosclerotic
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Risk Factors*
Smoke
Smoking
Immunoglobulin A
Immunoglobulin G
Immunoglobulins
Smoke