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Published on: August 18, 2015

Do common infections cause stroke?

Mitchell S V Elkind1, John W Cole

  • 1Department of Neurology, Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, NY 10032, USA.

Seminars in Neurology
|February 16, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Common infections may contribute to cerebrovascular disease and stroke. Evidence suggests pathogens like Chlamydia pneumoniae and herpes viruses are linked to atherosclerosis, potentially offering new modifiable risk factors for stroke prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious disease
  • Neurology
  • Cardiovascular science

Background:

  • Infections are recognized as uncommon causes of cerebrovascular disease.
  • Inflammation's role in atherosclerosis has renewed interest in infectious agents as stroke contributors.
  • Several specific pathogens have been implicated in stroke risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review epidemiological, pathological, and laboratory evidence linking specific infections to atherosclerosis and stroke.
  • To explore the potential of infections as modifiable risk factors for stroke.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing epidemiological studies.
  • Analysis of pathological findings.
  • Examination of laboratory evidence for pathogen association with atherosclerosis and stroke.

Main Results:

  • Accumulating evidence suggests associations between certain infections (e.g., Chlamydia pneumoniae, herpes viruses, HIV, H. pylori, periodontal pathogens) and atherosclerosis/stroke.
  • Definitive proof for specific infection-stroke links is often lacking.
  • Infections are emerging as potential modifiable risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • Several common infections may be associated with atherosclerosis and stroke.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm causal links.
  • Identifying and treating these infections could represent a novel strategy for stroke risk reduction.

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