Chlamydia pneumoniae and Epstein-Barr antibodies are not associated with carotid thickness: the effect of hypertension.

Background: To examine the relationship between Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) seropositivity and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in three selected groups: 1) hypertensives; 2) white coat hypertensives; and 3) normotensives. Epstein-Barr antibodies were also measured.

High prevalence of Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies in white-coat hypertensives.

Previous studies have linked essential sustained hypertension with Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) and changes in intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid arteries. The aim of this study was to examine if similar associations exist in subjects with white-coat hypertension.