Detection of Fungal Elements in Atherosclerotic Plaques Using Mycological, Pathological and Molecular Methods.

Background: The aim of this study was to detect fungi in atherosclerotic plaques and investigate their possible role in atherosclerosis.

Methods: Coronary atherosclerotic plaques specimen were obtained from patients with atherosclerosis. Direct examination, culture, histopathology study, PCR and sequencing were performed to detect/identify the mycotic elements in the plaques.