Failure to detect Chlamydia pneumoniae by cell culture and polymerase chain reaction in major arteries of 93 patients with atherosclerosis.

To detect Chlamydia pneumoniae in punch specimens of the aortic wall of 61 patients undergoing coronary-aortic bypass graft, and carotid atheromas of 32 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, cell culture (HEp-2 cells) and two polymerase chain reaction assays in two different laboratories were used. All cultures and polymerase chain reaction tests for Chlamydia pneumoniae were negative. Further studies are required to explore the complex relationship between Chlamydia pneumoniae and atherosclerosis.