Viridans Streptococcal Biofilm Evades Immune Detection and Contributes to Inflammation and Rupture of Atherosclerotic Plaques.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Bacterial DNA from the oral cavity, respiratory tract, gut, and skin has been detected in atherosclerotic plaques, suggesting a role in chronic inflammation linked to atherosclerosis. Chronic bacterial infections often form biofilms resistant to antibiotics and immune detection, giving rise to a new generation of virulent bacteria in suitable conditions. This study explores the role of the immune system in bacterial-induced inflammation of atherosclerotic plaques.

Methods

Coronary plaques from 121 sudden death victims and endarterectomy samples from 96 surgical patients were analyzed using bacterial real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and genome-wide expression analysis. TLR (toll-like receptor) signaling was examined in bacteri

SUBMITTER: Karhunen PJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12533616 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature