A study on the seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus infection in patients with coronary artery disease in a tertiary care hospital

Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death in developing and developed countries. Infectious etiology is also suspected to be a significant risk factor in these cases. CMV is a beta herpes virus. Once infected, the person carries the virus for life.80% adults show CMV specific antibodies in their serum indicating the high prevalence of CMV infection. Aim: To know the seroprevalence of CMV infection in patients with CAD Materials and Methods: Clinically stable patients undergoing coronary angiography because of symptoms suspected of CAD were included in the study. The samples were tested for specific anti-CMV IgG antibodies by ELISA Results: Of 150 patients, 86 % had detectable quantities of anti-CMV IgG antibodies in their serum. 15 patients (10%) were found to be ‘borderline positive,' and the antibody index was between 0.9 to 1.1. 6 patients (4%) did not have detectable quantities of anti-CMV IgG antibodies in their serum. Prevalence of CAD was 100% in the study group. Conclusion: Cytomegalovirus is an essential cause of atherosclerosis due to the infectious burden. In the study population, 86% of the patients showed elevated levels of anti-CMV IgG antibody. So, there is an association between CMV infection and coronary artery disease.