Abstract
BackgroundInfections with potentially cardiotropic viruses are associated with the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, whether direct viral infection of the atria is involved in the pathogenesis of AF is unclear. We have therefore analysed the presence of cardiotropic viral genomes in AF patients.MethodsSamples of left atrial tissue were obtained from 50 AF patients (paroxysmal, n = 20; long-standing persistent/permanent, n = 30) during cardiac surgery and from autopsied control patients (n = 14). Herein, the presence of PVB19, EBV, CMV, HHV‑6, adenovirus and enterovirus genomes was determined by polymerase chain reaction. The densities of CD45+ and CD3+ cells and fibrosis in the atria were quantified by (immuno)histochemistry.ResultsOf the tested viruses only the PVB19 genome was detected in the atria of 10% of patients, paroxysmal AF (2 of 20) and long-standing persistent/permanent AF (3 of 30). Conversely, in 50% of controls (7 of 14) PVB19 genome was found. No significant association was found between PVB19 and CD45+ and CD3+ cells, or between the presence of PVB19 and fibrosis, in either control or AF patients.ConclusionThe presence of viral genomes is not increased in the atria of AF patients. These results do not support an important role for viral infection of the atria in the pathogenesis of AF.Supplementary InformationThe online version of this article (10.1007/s12471-022-01660-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is a major cause of stroke, cardiovascular morbidity and sudden death [1]
The presence of viral genomes is not increased in the atria of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients
These results do not support an important role for viral infection of the atria in the pathogenesis of AF
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is a major cause of stroke, cardiovascular morbidity and sudden death [1]. The increased expression of Toll-like receptor 2 on monocytes [8] and high enrichment of viral response genes in lymphocytes [9], which have been found in AF patients, suggest an involvement of (chronic) viral infection in AF pathogenesis. Whether this is the result of systemic inflammation that occurs with these infections and/or direct infection of the atria is unknown. Infections with potentially cardiotropic viruses are associated with the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). We have analysed the presence of cardiotropic viral genomes in AF patients
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Schedule a callMore From: Netherlands heart journal : monthly journal of the Netherlands Society of Cardiology and the Netherlands Heart Foundation
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