Association of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection with Myocardial Infarction

Problem statement: In addition to the major risk factors for atherosclerosis such as high plasma level of low density lipoprotein, low plasma level of high density lipoprotein, cigarette smoking, hypertension and diabetes mellitus, some studies introduce other agents such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae as risk factors for atherodclerosis and coronary artery diseases. Aim of this study was to clarify the risk of Mycoplasma pneumoniae for myocardial infarction in Iranian population. Approach: This was a case-control study, in which 90 patients studied. (March 2005-2007). First group (or case group) include 45 units who had been admitted in hospital with diagnosis of myocardial infarction and second group include 45 units, who were healthy individuals without any positive history of ischemic heart disease. IgG antibodies was assessed by ELISA technique in both groups. Results: There was significant statistic difference in antimycoplasma antibody level. In the groups (p = 0.028) and the relative risk of mycoplasma infection for myocardial infarction estimated to be 2.7. Conclusion: Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection seems to be a risk factor for myocardial infarctin, in Iranian population. It is better to design other studies to evaluate the risk of coinfection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae and also the risk of these infection plus conventional risk factors for myocardial infarction in this country.