(2/2/99)

There's more research today supporting a study at LDS Hospital that bacteria may be reponsible for coronary artery disease.

The latest study at Boston University suggests antibiotics might lower the risk of heart attacks. Science Specialist Ed Yeates has more.

Is it possible bacteria called chlamydia pneumonia finds a home in the walls of your blood vessels?

There the bug grows and sets up an inflammatory reaction which leads to the buildup of plaque. Ateries become plugged - the patient suffers a heart attack.

Brent Muhlestein of LDS Hospital Cardiac Research says, "They found in this group of patients that just those by accident had taken antibiotics effective against chlamydia pneumonia - that they had less incidence of heart attacks."

Dr. Muhlstein, who conducted earlier studies at LDS Hospital, says this latest research in the Journal of the American Medical Association will spawn even more clinical trials.

In a Sandy neighborhood, Gene Miner is one of many currently partipating in clinical trials.

He's had a quadruple bypass to prevent a heart attack. But in the trial he may be one of many now taking an antibiotic which may prevent a rebuildup of plaque. He says, "It's nice to know it's that simplistic - that maybe it wasn't genetics afterall - that it was just a bug that we just happen to have."

Dr. Muhlestein adds, "One other exciting thing that is underway which is under development by several industry groups is the development of a vaccine against chlamydia pneumonia which, if found to be effective, could be given to young people."

But Dr. Muhlestein warns researchers must absolutely prove this strain of chlamydia IS the villain - and that widespread use a specific antibiotic will NOT produce a drug resistant reaction. Ed Yeates, Eyewitness News, SLC.

The new research from Boston is the largest oberservational study yet supporting the LDS Hospital theory.