[Description of immunogens of Chlamydia pneumoniae recognized by serum of individuals with peripheral artery disease].
OBJECTIVE
The relationship between antibodies to C. pneumoniae and presence of the bacteria was studied in individuals with peripheral arterial disease.


METHODS
An observational analytical, case-control study was performed in 118 patients (68 cases, 50 controls) to investigate immunoglobulin (Ig) G and A against C. pneumoniae in serum, using Western-blot (commercial and no commercial methods), ELISA and MIF; DNA of the bacteria in vascular tissue biopsy specimens was studied by polymerase chain reaction.


RESULTS
Using commercial Western-blot, significant presence of IgG anti-39 kDa and anti-54 kDa was found in cases and was related to MIF results and C. pneumoniae DNA findings; IgA anti-LPS, anti-92 kDa and anti-Hsp60 kDa were also found and related to DNA presence. Using no commercial Western-blot, significant presence of 128.8 and 9.2 kDa bands for IgG was detected in cases and associated with DNA presence; 70.8, 58.9, 47.9, 47.5, 18.4, 12.1, 10.6, 8.1, and 7.6 kDa bands for IgG were found in cases; and DNA was present when 54.6 and 1.1 kDa bands for IgG and 79.4, 50.1, and 18.4 kDa bands for IgA were also detected.


CONCLUSIONS
Using Western-blot, a greater serologic response was found against certain proteins of the bacteria in individuals with peripheral arterial disease. This may reflect an initial stage with presence of DNA and specific IgG. Subsequently, even in absence of the bacteria, an immunomediated disease may develop with presence of IgA and IgG.
Gutiérrez
José
J
Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Granada, España. josegf@ugr.es
Linares
José
J
Camacho
Ana
A
Palanca
Matilde
M
Maroto
Carmen
C
Ros
Eduardo
E
Luna
Juan Dios
JD
José Soto
María
M
Sorlózano
Antonio
A
D000368:Aged; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D015153:Blotting, Western; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016993:Chlamydophila pneumoniae / Q000276:immunology*; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000276:immunology*; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000276:immunology*; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology
D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G