Distribution of Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection in the Atherosclerotic Carotid Artery

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Abstract
Background and Purpose—Chlamydia pneumoniae infection has recently become noteworthy in relation to atherosclerosis. We investigated by immunohistochemistry the distribution of C pneumoniae infection in the atherosclerotic carotid artery. Methods—Twenty carotid atherosclerotic lesions that were resected during carotid endarterectomy were investigated. Parallel sections were stained immunohistochemically with monoclonal antibodies for a C pneumoniae–specific antigen, macrophages, and smooth muscle cells. Results—Immunoreactivity for the C pneumoniae–specific antigen was observed in 11 of 20 specimens (55%), and intense immunoreactivity was observed in 7 of 20 (35%). C pneumoniae infection was observed in endothelial cells, macrophages and in smooth muscle cells that had migrated into the atheromatous plaque, as well as in smooth muscle cells and small arteries in the media underlying the atheromatous plaques. C pneumoniae infection was most prominently observed in smooth muscle cells. The severity of the i...