Role of Chlamydia Infection in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerotic Plaques in HIV-1-positive Patients

Abstract

Background: Various authors have hypothesized a role of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. To better understand the possible role of this infection in the pathogenesis of epi-aortic lesions in HIV-1-positive patients, the presence of anti-Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies was evaluated in a group of individuals subjected to ultrasonography of the epi-aortic vessels. Patients and Methods: The presence of specific antibodies in 129 subjects was determined; 59 patients were HIV-1-positive, of whom 30 had carotid plaques and 29 were without lesions. The control group was composed of 70 subjects. All were subjected to ultrasonography of the epi-aortic vessels. IgG, IgM and IgA anti-C. pneumoniae antibodies were measured with micro-immunofluorescence and positive sera were tested for C. trachomatis and C. psittaci. Results: No subjects were positive for IgM. Both the IgA and IgG levels did not differ significantly in the three groups. The only highly significant variable was the use of protease inhibitors. Conclusion: Our data suggest that the damage to the carotid wall in HIV-1 patients was not due to C. pneumoniae.