Conclusion
The presence of microbiota in inflamed CAV samples represents the right trigger point to explain the valve calcification process, encouraging further studies to explore the potential link between bacteria and adaptive immune response and to define the critical role of local microbiota-immunity axis on CAVD development.
Results
We documented the presence of infiltrating T lymphocytes, especially the T helper subset, in CAV samples. Moreover, we found a tissue-associated microbiota in freshly collected CAV samples, which was significantly different in Italian and German patients, suggesting potential correlation with other cardiovascular risk factors.