Pathogenetic role of Chlamydia pneumoniae in calcific aortic stenosis: immunohistochemistry study and review of the literature.

Abstract

Positive immunostaining for C. pneumoniae was not associated with the presence of calcific AS. As in previous serologic and molecular biology studies, a high prevalence of C. pneumoniae in the adult population was demonstrated, irrespective of heart valve disease. Thus, C. pneumoniae is most likely not involved in the pathogenesis of calcific aortic stenosis.