Detection of Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA in buffy-coat samples of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm

B. Maraha, M. Den Heijer, M. Wullink, A. Van der Zee, A. Bergmans, H. Verbakel, M. Kerver, S. Graafsma, S. Kranendonk, M. Peeters

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Recent studies have suggested that Chlamydia pneumoniae infection is a risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm. This study explores the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA in buffy-coat samples of control subjects and of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm. The seroepidemiological association between abdominal aortic aneurysm and Chlamydia pneumoniae was also investigated. Buffy-coat samples and serum specimens were obtained from 88 patients and 88 control subjects. Detection of Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA in buffy-coat samples and measurement of IgG antibodies to Chlamydia pneumoniae in serum specimens were performed by polymerase chain reaction and microimmunofluorescence, respectively. Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA was detected in buffy-coat samples of 18 (20%) patients and 8 (9%) control subjects (adjusted odds ratio 2.9, 95% confidence interval 1-8.5). IgG antibodies to Chlamydia pneumoniae were detected in 85 (97%) patients and 71 (81%) control subjects (adjusted odds ratio 7.2, 95% confidence interval 1.7-31). The results show an association between abdominal aortic aneurysm and either the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA in buffy-coat samples or IgG antibodies to Chlamydia pneumoniae. These findings support the hypothesis that previous infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae might be a risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)111-116
Number of pages6
JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Volume20
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2001

Cite this