Chronic infections and atherosclerosis

Abstract

The established risk factors for atherosclerosis such as hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and hyperhomocysteinemia do not explain clinical and epidemiological features of coronary heart disease (CHD). The role of infectious disease as a CHD risk factor may partly explain these features. Chronic infection with various microorganisms, particularly, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Helicobactor pylori may play a role in etiological factors, linking inflammation and atherogenesis. Results from epidemiological studies, pathology of atherosclerotic plaques, animal studies, molecular biology and clinical antibiotic trials indicated a positive association between C. pneumoniae infection and CHD. Chronic infection might also influence preexisting plaque by enhancing T cell activation, which participate in destabilization of intimal cap. However, the exact nature of pathophysiological link between the organisms and CHD remains to be elucidated. Future antibiotic interventional studies may help to further clarify the role of chronic infection and inflammation in CHD.