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Asthma and atypical bacterial infection.
E Rand Sutherland1, Richard J Martin
1National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Department of Medicine, 1400 Jackson St, J220, Denver, CO 80206, USA. sutherlande@njc.org
Chest
|December 15, 2007
Summary
Atypical bacteria, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae, may contribute to asthma development and persistence. Emerging evidence suggests macrolide antibiotics may improve asthma symptoms and airway inflammation in some patients.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Atypical bacteria, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae, are increasingly implicated in asthma.
- Evidence links these pathogens to new-onset wheezing, asthma exacerbations, and reduced lung function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of M. pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae in asthma.
- To explore the potential of antibiotic therapy in managing asthma.
Main Methods:
- Review of human studies and animal models of M. pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae infections.
- Analysis of emerging clinical data on macrolide antibiotic treatment in asthma patients with atypical infections.
Main Results:
- Animal models show these bacteria can modulate allergic sensitization and pulmonary immune responses.
- Clinical studies indicate potential improvement in asthma symptoms and airway inflammation with macrolide antibiotics.
Conclusions:
- Atypical bacterial infections may play a role in asthma development and persistence.
- Macrolide antibiotics show promise for treating asthma in patients with coexisting atypical infections, warranting further research.
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