The association between Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA in atherosclerotic plaque and major risk factors in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

Background and aim: This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Chlamydia pneumoniae pathogen inside the atherosclerotic plaque of patients undergoing CABG by using PCR assay and to determine whether there is any association between the presence of bacteria in atherosclerotic lesions and classical coronary risk factors. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 102 patients (20 to 79 years old; 73.5% male) undergoing CABG were evaluated in terms of major coronary risk factors and the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae. Results: Chlamydia pneumoniae was found in 23.4% of coronary plaque specimens. Of these, two patients had no risk factor and the rest of the patients had I to 3 risk factors. Patients with positive PCR were more likely to have hypercholesterolaemia (p = 0.009) and low HDL levels (p = 0.000) in comparison with the PCR-negative group. There were no statistical differences for other risk factors. Conclusion: Our results imply the synergic contribution of Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA and known dyslipidaemia to the development of atherosclerotic lesions in patients undergoing CABG.