PhD Dissertation at the College of Medicine, University of Babylon, on Acute Coronary Artery Disease
The Department of Microbiology at the College of Medicine, University of Babylon, held a PhD dissertation defense by student Zaid Kazem Jasem Al-Sultani, entitled:
“Immunological and Microbial Study in Patients with Acute Coronary Artery Disease in Babylon Province”, under the supervision of Professor Dr. Mohammed Abdul Kazem Al-Saadi and Professor Dr. Hassan Salim Al-Jumaili.
The defense was attended by the Dean of the College, Professor Dr. Muhannad Abbas Al-Shallah, Administrative Assistant Professor Dr. Kazem Jawad Al-Hamadani, Department Head Professor Dr. Jawad Kazem Trad Al-Khafaji, along with several faculty members, academics, and postgraduate students.
During his defense, the researcher explained that acute coronary artery disease is a common cardiac condition characterized by the formation of atherosclerotic plaques within the walls of the coronary arteries. These plaques restrict blood and oxygen flow to the myocardium, resulting in partial arterial blockage and chest pain (angina). In more severe cases, complete arterial occlusion can occur, leading to thrombus formation.
The aim of this study was to investigate the role of microbial infections as well as immune and inflammatory markers in triggering acute coronary artery disease. The study’s objectives were achieved by measuring immunological parameters (IFN-?, Hs-TnI, Neopterin). Additionally, microbial diagnosis was conducted using serological tests to detect Helicobacter pylori, Staphylococcus aureus, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae through ELISA. Detection of Chlamydia pneumoniae, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and hepatitis viruses (HBV, HCV) was performed using rapid diagnostic kits (immunochromatographic tests) on serum samples from both patients and control groups.
The serological diagnostic tests revealed bacterial infections in 48 cases of acute coronary artery disease. Helicobacter pylori was observed in 22 cases (44%), Chlamydia pneumoniae in 11 (22%), Staphylococcus aureus in 10 (20%), and Mycoplasma pneumoniae in 5 (10%). Viral infections were detected in 12 cases, including cytomegalovirus (CMV) in 6 (12%), hepatitis B virus (HBsAg) in 4 (8%), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 2 cases (4%).
The current results suggest that IFN-?, hs-TnI, and Neopterin are acceptable predictive diagnostic markers for acute coronary artery disease, based on the Area Under the Curve (AUC) analysis