In search for a reliable assay to detect vascular infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae

Infection of blood vessels by Chlamydia pneumoniae cannot be clinically determined at present time. Detection of circulating C. pneumoniae DNA represents an attractive alternative since circulating C. pneumoniae DNA has been shown to be associated with presence of viable C. pneumoniae organism in the vasculature; nevertheless, additional larger studies are needed to confirm these observations in different populations at risk. A reliable assay to detect vascular infection with C. pneumoniae and to monitor treatment is much needed.