Detection of Chlamydophila pneumoniae DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of blood donors in the north-east of Italy

Abstract

Recent studies have implicated Chlamydia pneumoniae (now Chlamydophila pneumoniae) in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and demonstrated its presence within human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In this study the presence of C. pneumoniae DNA was assessed, using nested PCR, in PBMCs from 169 active blood donors as a function of age, of speci®c antibodies and C-reactive protein. The results obtained demonstrated a high degree of global positivity (46.15%), which was higher in females (52%) than in males (43.7%). Seroepidemiological studies showed a high percentage of positivity both in subjects positive by PCR (65.91%) and negative by PCR (71.74%). The clinical implication of such ®nding are under study.

Detection of Chlamydia pneumoniae in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy blood donors in Tehran Regional Educational Blood Transfusion Centre

“…In this regard, our results are similar to some other studies (Rassu et al , 2001; Haranaga et al , 2001b; Yamaguchi et al , 2004). The younger donor age seems to have a positive, although insignificant, correlation with the prevalence of C. pneumoniae , as shown in our study and those of others (Rassu et al , 2001; Yamaguchi et al , 2004). In our study, C. pneumoniae positivity was slightly higher in females (8·6%) than in males (6·5%); there is no significant correlation between the presence of C. pneumoniae and gender.…”

“…In our study, C. pneumoniae positivity was slightly higher in females (8·6%) than in males (6·5%); there is no significant correlation between the presence of C. pneumoniae and gender. Other studies also support the results (Rassu et al , 2001; Yamaguchi et al , 2004).…”

“…This result is nearly similar to that of our study. There is a very high prevalence in studies carried out by Rassu et al (2001) and Boman et al (1998), showing 46·15 and 46%, respectively. The difference in the prevalence of C. pneumoniae in PBMNCs reported by these studies may be due to differences in population and geographical distribution, or methodological differences.…”

“…According to some studies (Kaukoranta‐Tolvanen et al , 1996; Haranaga et al , 2001a), C. pneumoniae infection of lymphocytes and the ability to induce a cytokine response due to B and T lymphocyte cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of the bacteria. Studies have shown that a high percentage of healthy blood donors harbour C. pneumoniae DNA and antigens within their PBMNCs (Boman et al , 1998; Rassu et al , 2001; Haranaga et al , 2001b). Nevertheless, some studies indicate a possible presence of viable C. pneumoniae in blood of healthy donors (Yamaguchi et al , 2004).…”

Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in HIV‐positive patients: prevalence and relationship with lipid profile

“…The prevalence and effects of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection have been extensively evaluated both in the normal population and in patients with cardiovascular disease [1–4]. It has emerged that chronic C. pneumoniae infection could represent a cofactor involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis [5–7].…”