The Medical Journal of Basrah University

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.