Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in peritoneal dialysis patients

Abstract

◆ Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the association between infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae and symptomatic atherosclerosis in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. ◆ Design: Cross-sectional study. ◆ Setting: Peritoneal Dialysis Unit of Kingston General Hospital. ◆ Patients: Fifty-five prevalent PD patients. ◆ Outcome Measures: (1) Infection with C. pneumoniae diagnosed by detection of DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using polymerase chain reaction. (2) Symptomatic atherosclerosis involving the coronary, cerebral, or peripheral circulation. ◆ Results: The DNA of C. pneumoniae was detected in PBMCs in 33 patients (60.0%). Atherosclerosis was present in 16 of 33 (48%) PBMC C. pneumoniae DNA-positive patients, and in 10 of 22 (45%) PBMC C. pneumoniae DNA-negative patients (p = 0.83). Using multiple logistic regression and controlling for a number of known cardiovascular risk factors, PBMC C. pneumoniae DNA status was not predictive of atherosclerosis. The only significant independent predictors of atherosclerosis were diabetes and age. ◆ Conclusions: In prevalent PD patients, a high prevalence of symptomatic atherosclerosis and of Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA in PBMC were seen; however, the results of the present study do not support the presence of an association between infection with C. pneumoniae and atherosclerosis.