High frequency of various viral agents and absence of Borrelia burgdorferi in the myocardium of subjects with normal left ventricular systolic function
Abstract
Introduction: Inflammatory cardiomyopathy (DCMi) is a term used for systolic dysfunction of the Left Ventricle (LV) associated with persistent inflammation of the myocardium. Endomyocardial Biopsy (EMB) with an evidence of myocardial infection and /or inflammation is considered as the gold standard in the diagnosis of DCMi.
However, recent studies using PCR methodology showed the presence of the viral genome (parvovirus B19 in particular) in individuals with normal LV systolic function. So far, there are no data about the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), another potential pathogen of DCMi, in the myocardium of subjects with normal LV systolic function.
Aim of the study: To determine the prevalence of viral agents and Bb in individuals with normal LV systolic function and no history suggestive of DCMi by electron microscopy.