CHLAMYDIA PNEUMONIC INFECTION IN CORONARY HEART DISEASE IN BASRAH

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and coronary artery disease with classical risk factors in Basrah patients. Background: Chronic inflammatory diseases might play significant role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. We studied the differences between the percentage of immunoglobulin G against Chlamydia pneumonia among Coronary Heart Disease patients and control subject. Method: Antibody titer against Chlamydia pneumonia by microimmunofluorescence method and C-reactive protein by agglutination method was determined among 225 patients proven Coronary Heart Disease and 180 control subject. Lipid risk and non-lipid risk factors in Coronary Heart Diseases patients was determined. Results: Chlamydia pneumoniae seropositivity 1/64 titer was significantly higher in patients than control group (46.6% versus 25.5%) respectively; P<0.01; odd ratio 2.64; CI (1.62; 3.46). Positive C-reactive protein (≥6mg/I) was significantly higher in patients (53.3 versus 39.4; P<0.001; odd ratio 2.21; CI (1.46- 3.11)), than control group. All percentages of lipid and non-lipid risk factors in patients were significantly higher than control group. Conclusion: We have demonstrated a significant rise in Chlamydia pneumoniae-specific immunoglobulin G and C-reactive protein levels is associated with Coronary Heart Disease.