Tuberculosis and Cardiovascular Disease: Linking the Epidemics

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) rates are rising globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
• Overlapping epidemics of tuberculosis (TB) and CVD pose significant public health challenges.
• Immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis share pathways with atherogenesis, suggesting a TB role in CVD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential pathogenic role of tuberculosis in the development of cardiovascular disease.
• To explore shared immunological mechanisms between TB infection and atherogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing studies on immune responses in TB and their link to atherosclerosis.
• Analysis of epidemiological data on CVD risk in individuals with a history of TB.
• Examination of the role of latent TB infection (LTBI) in chronic inflammation and CVD.

Main Results:

• Immune cells and cytokines involved in TB immunity also drive atherogenesis.
• Antibody responses to mycobacterial heat shock protein-65 may cross-react with self-antigens, promoting atherosclerosis.
• Latent TB infection is associated with persistent inflammation, potentially leading to CVD.
• Individuals with TB have a higher risk of CVD, even years after recovery.

Conclusions:

• Tuberculosis may play a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the link between TB and CVD.
• Understanding this connection could inform public health strategies for managing both diseases.