Polymerase chain reaction detection of Chlamydia pneumoniae in circulatingwhite blood cells

Several recently published studies suggest that Chlamydia pneumoniae may re present a risk factor for atherosclerosis or its complications. In order to establish whether C. pneumoniae is causally linked to atherosclerotic dise ases, clinical intervention trials may be needed. However, to identify elig ible subjects with a persistent C. pneumoniae infection and to monitor the effect of antibiotic therapy, there is a need for a reliable diagnostic mar ker. Blood-based polymerase chain reaction assays may be of value for ident ifying patients persistently infected with C. pneumoniae and for assessing the microbiologic efficacy of antichlamydial therapy in clinical interventi on trials.