Clinical Investigations

Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection and Inflammation in Adults with Asthma
T. Sävykoski^a, T. Harju^b, M. Paldanius^a, H. Kuitunen^b, A. Bloigu^a, E. Wahlström^d, P. Rytilä^e, V. Kinnula^b,f, P. Saikku^a,c, M. Leinonen<sup>a

a</sup>Department of Microbiology, National Public Health Institute, and Departments of
^bInternal Medicine and
^cMedical Microbiology, University of Oulu, Oulu;
^dDepartment of Vaccines, National Public Health Institute,
^eDepartment of Allergy, Skin and Allergy Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, and
^fDepartment of Medicine, Pulmonary Division, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland

Address of Corresponding Author

Respiration 2004;71:120-125 (DOI: 10.1159/000076671)

  Key Words

• Asthma
• Chlamydia pneumoniae
• Heat shock protein
• C-reactive protein

  Abstract

Background:Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and immune response to the C. pneumoniae heat shock protein 60 (CpHsp60) have been suggested to be associated with asthma. Objectives: To study whether a slightly elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level as a marker of low-grade systemic inflammation has a role in this association, we collected serum and sputum samples from 103 asthma patients with disease severity ranging from mild to moderate and from 30 healthy volunteers. Methods: IgA and IgG antibodies to C. pneumoniae elementary bodies (CpEB) and CpHsp60 were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Serum CRP levels were measured with a rapid two-site ultra-sensitive assay based on time-resolved immunofluorometry. Results: The asthma patients, especially those with moderate asthma, had higher serum IgA antibody levels to CpHsp60 than the healthy controls (test for trend, p = 0.05), whereas antibody levels to CpEB antigen did not differ between the study groups. CRP levels were higher in both asthma groups compared to the control group and moreover, the patients with moderate asthma had higher CRP levels than those with mild asthma (test for trend, p < 0.01). The subjects with a slightly elevated CRP level, defined as 1.8 mg/l, had higher CpEB IgA (p = 0.001), CpEB IgG (p = 0.008) and CpHsp60 IgA (p = 0.023) antibody levels in serum compared to the subjects with lower CRP levels. Conclusions: Slightly elevated CRP levels as a marker of low-grade systemic inflammation may be associated with C. pneumoniae infection in asthma patients.

Copyright © 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Dr. Maija Leinonen
National Public Health Institute
PO box 310, FI-90101 Oulu (Finland)
Tel. +358 8 537 6235, Fax +358 8 537 6222
E-Mail maija.leinonen@ktl.fi

  Article Information

Received: June 11, 2003
Accepted after revision: September 4, 2003
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 3, Number of References : 32