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Is atherosclerosis an infectious disease?

S D Mawhorter1, M A Lauer

  • 1Department of Infectious Disease, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195, USA. mawhors@ccf.org

Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
|May 16, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Infections like Chlamydia pneumoniae may contribute to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. However, antibiotic treatment for coronary events is not recommended until clinical trials conclude.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis

Background:

  • Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors.
  • Emerging evidence suggests infectious agents may play a role in the development and progression of CAD.
  • Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, and cytomegalovirus are among the pathogens implicated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence linking specific infections to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease.
  • To discuss the implications of these findings for clinical practice and future research.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating the association between infections and CAD.
  • Analysis of data from clinical trials examining antibiotic interventions for CAD.

Main Results:

  • Chlamydia pneumoniae shows the most substantial evidence implicating infection in CAD.
  • Helicobacter pylori and cytomegalovirus are also considered potential contributing factors.
  • Clinical trials evaluating antibiotic efficacy in reducing coronary events are ongoing.

Conclusions:

  • While infections are implicated in CAD, definitive conclusions regarding antibiotic therapy are pending.
  • Current evidence does not support the routine use of antibiotics to prevent or treat coronary events.
  • Further research and clinical trial results are necessary to guide therapeutic strategies.

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