Role of herpes simplex virus-1, cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus in atherosclerosis.

Infectious agents such as herpes viruses may be implicated in the inflammatory atherosclerotic process. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of IgG antibody specific for Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) among patients with atherosclerotic vascular diseases and to examine the relation between the levels of these antibodies and lipid profile, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in these patients. Seventy five patients [20 with acute coronary artery disease (ACAD), 20 with chronic coronary artery disease (CCAD), 20 with cerebral stroke and 15 with peripheral arterial disease (PAD)] along with 15 healthy individuals as a control group. The studied individuals were subjected to complete history taking, thorough physical examination, and assessment of the blood glucose level, lipid profile, creatine kinase (CK), hsCRP by nephlemetry and virus-specific IgG antibodies by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Results showed that the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c and hsCRP were significantly higher, while HDL-c was significantly lower among patients compared to that of the controls. A significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage of patients had CMV-specific IgG as compared to the controls. Higher percentage of patients had HSV- and EBV-specific IgG antibodies, however, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. Individuals who had CMV-specific IgG were more liable to have vascular disease compared to those without (OR=4.10, CI= 1.07-15.75). The levels of CMV- and EBV-specific IgG antibodies were significantly (P<0.01 and < 0.05 respectively) elevated among patients with atherosclerotic vascular diseases when compared to those of the controls. There was no significant correlation between the levels of virus-specific IgG and lipid profile or hsCRP. In conclusion, the level of CMV- and EBV- specific antibodies are elevated among vascular disease patients and the presence of CMV-specific IgG is associated with development of the disease. Serum lipids and hsCRP were increased among the studied patients; however, no significant correlation was detected between antiviral IgG levels and lipid profile or hsCRP.