Relation of CMV Infection with an Inflammation Marker CRP in Coronary Heart Disease

Whether the human cytomegalovirus plays a causal role in atlıerosc l e rosis etiology is controversial. We conducted a case-control study to investigate whether previous infection with cytomegalovirus is associated with coronary heart disease and markers of systemic inflammation, because systemic inflammation also may play a role in atherosclerosis. We also studied the correlation between anticytomegalovirus antibody titer and coronary artery disease. 150 cases (45 female, mean age, 58,7 ± 7,6 years) with a documented coronary heart disease anel 160 vol unteer control ca ses (50 female, m ean age 57,82 ± 8,1 years) were studied. Cytomegalovirus serology was performed to determine presence of specific IgG antibodies and titers of the anticytomegalovirus antibodies. In addition, C-reactive protein levels were determined in each case. The prevalence of specific antibodies to cytomegalovirus was 57,3% in the ptaient groups, 56% among the controls (p=0,39). But high anti -cytoınegalovirus titer (~ 1 :800) was seen in the patient group w ith a higher ineidence (26,6% versus 10%, p=O,OOO). Mean value of C-reactive protein was higher in the patient group (2,99 ± 0,92 mg/L, versus 1,79 ± 0,51 ıng/L, p=O,OOO), and there was a linear correlation with the high antibody titer and the level of Creactive protein (r=0,35, p=O,OOO). These findings support that, instead of the seropositivity of the population, the titer of anti cytomegalovirus lgG antibody and the levels of Creactive protein may predict coronary artery disease.