DETECTION OF CHLAMYDIA-PNEUMONIAE IN ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUES IN THE WALLS OF ARTERIES OF LOWER-EXTREMITIES FROM PATIENTS UNDERGOING BYPASS OPERATION FOR ARTERIAL-OBSTRUCTION

Purpose: To study surgically excised vascular tissue from lower extrem ities for the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae, to extend the previous ly described association of the organism with atherosclerosis. Methods : Arterial biopsy specimens obtained from femoral and popliteal arteri es during bypass operation for claudication were examined by immunocyt ochemical analysis and polymerase chain reaction for the presence of o rganisms. Results: C. pneumoniae was detected in atherosclerotic plaqu es by either method in either artery of II of 23 patients (48%). Eight of 21 popliteal and three of 18 femoral arteries had positive results . Conclusions: Detection of C. pneumoniae in peripheral arteries indic ates that the organism is widespread in atherosclerosis of the vascula r system.