PURPOSE: To study surgically excised vascular tissue from lower extremities for the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae, to extend the previously described association of the organism with atherosclerosis. METHODS: Arterial biopsy specimens obtained from femoral and popliteal arteries during bypass operation for claudication were examined by immunocytochemical analysis and polymerase chain reaction for the presence of organisms. RESULTS: C. pneumoniae was detected in atherosclerotic plaques by either method in either artery of 11 of 23 patients (48%). Eight of 21 popliteal and three of 18 femoral arteries had positive results. CONCLUSIONS: Detection of C. pneumoniae in peripheral arteries indicates that the organism is widespread in atherosclerosis of the vascular system.
PURPOSE: To study surgically excised vascular tissue from lower extremities for the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae, to extend the previously described association of the organism with atherosclerosis. METHODS: Arterial biopsy specimens obtained from femoral and popliteal arteries during bypass operation for claudication were examined by immunocytochemical analysis and polymerase chain reaction for the presence of organisms. RESULTS:C. pneumoniae was detected in atherosclerotic plaques by either method in either artery of 11 of 23 patients (48%). Eight of 21 popliteal and three of 18 femoral arteries had positive results. CONCLUSIONS: Detection of C. pneumoniae in peripheral arteries indicates that the organism is widespread in atherosclerosis of the vascular system.
Authors: J Thomas Grayston; Robert J Belland; Gerald I Byrne; Cho Chou Kuo; Julius Schachter; Walter E Stamm; Guangming Zhong Journal: Pathog Dis Date: 2014-12-04 Impact factor: 3.166