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Atherosclerosis and infection: is the jury still not in?

Dimitrios Chatzidimitriou1, Dimitrios Kirmizis, Eleni Gavriilaki

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece. dihi@med.auth.gr

Future Microbiology
|October 4, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Infectious agents like Chlamydophila pneumoniae may contribute to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory condition. This review explores the link between infections and cardiovascular disease pathogenesis and future research directions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  • Pathogenesis Research

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is a major cause of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.
  • Chronic inflammation is a key feature of atherosclerosis.
  • Emerging evidence suggests infectious agents play a role.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review the role of infectious agents in atherosclerosis.
  • To explore the pathogenetic mechanisms linking infection and atherosclerosis.
  • To discuss future research directions in this field.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent data.
  • Analysis of pathogenetic mechanisms.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge.

Main Results:

  • Several infectious agents, including Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, CMV, and periodontal pathogens, are implicated in atherosclerosis.
  • Pathogenetic mechanisms are being elucidated.

Conclusions:

  • Infectious agents are potential contributors to atherosclerosis.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand the role of infection in cardiovascular disease.

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