INFLUENCE OF CHLAMYDIA PNEUMONIAE INFECTION ON THE ATHEROSCLEROSIS OF PATIENTS WITH HYPERLIPIDEMIA

Abstract
The relation of atherosclerosis and Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) infection is controversial. Although lifestyle modification is an effective measure for retarding the progression of carotid IMT, probucol and pravastatin are more effective in reducing the TC level and stabilizing plaque in hypercholesterolemic patients, which probably explains a reduction in the incidence of cardiac events. Specific antibodies to C. pneumoniae have been found in more than half of the adult population by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the world. We have failed to demonstrate an association between the presence of C. pneumoniae antibodies and carotid atherosclerosis in the general population and in hemodialysis paitents. However, C. pnemoniae infection reduced the effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy for carotid atherosclerosis. The combination therapy of purobucol and levofloxacin may be a useful tool for the stabilization of plaque among patients with C. pnemoniae infection.

Key words
Carotid atherosclerosis, Chlamydia pneumoniae, probucol, pravastatín; levofloxacin

Bibliografía del artículo

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