The Probable Role of Cytomegalovirus in Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause of death worldwide and many studies have been performed on reduction of its prevalence. OBJECTIVES: This case control study was designed to investigate the presence of Cytomegaloviruses, Chlamydia pneumoniae and Helicobacter pylori in atherosclerotic plaques of cadaveric coronary endothelium of patients with and without acute myocardial infarction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty cadavers in two equal groups were analyzed. Acute myocardial infarction group included cadavers with acute myocardial infarction and atherosclerotic plaque. The non- acute myocardial infarction group included those with innocent atherosclerotic plaques in autopsy, expired due to other causes. Specimens from coronary vessels’ atherosclerotic plaque were taken and studied by polymerase chain reaction for Cytomegaloviruses, C. pneumoniae and H. pylori. RESULTS: Cadavers of 26 males and 34 females underwent autopsy procedures. Their mean age at the time of death was 48.17 ± 18.74 years. Unknown causes (20%), hanging (20%), head trauma (16.7%) and multiple traumas (13.3%) were the most common causes of death in the non- acute myocardial infarction group. PCR test results were negative for C. pneumoniae and H. pylori in all cadavers of both groups. Nine cadavers from the acute myocardial infarction group and one from the non- acute myocardial infarction group showed positive PCR results for Cytomegaloviruses (30% and 3.33%, respectively). There was a significant difference between the two groups regarding Cytomegaloviruses positivity in coronary artery plaques (P < 0.01, odd ratio: 12.42, 95% CI: 10.46 to 15.73). CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of coronary atherosclerotic plaques in cadavers with confirmed acute myocardial infarction were detected to be infected with Cytomegaloviruses while no infections of C. pneumoniae and H. pylori were detected.Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause of death worldwide and many studies have been performed on reduction of its prevalence.