The Role of Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cp) Seropositivity in Carotid Atherosclerosis (AS) in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis (HD)

초록

In vitro studies indicate that C. pneumoniae may be the caustic agent responsible for the vascular proliferation and AS. We have studied the role of latent infection of Cp in AS in the patients undergoing HD. Carotid intima-media area (cIMa) and the existence of the plaque were measured as morphologic indexes of carotid AS using B-mode US. Along with morphologic indexes, Cp IgA, the most frequently used serologic index of the latent infection of Cp, was used (ELISA: positive: SI 0.90). The relationships with vascular diseases (coronary, brain, and peripheral), Cp IgG, and classical AS risk factors were analyzed. We conclude that positive Cp IgA may be a possible risk factor in addition to other well-known caustic factors of AS. Especially, it was an independent factor in the formation of plaque and the clinical manifestation of vascular disease.