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Infectious causes of chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer
1Lilly Research Laboratory, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA. Cassell_Gail_H@Lilly.com
Abstract:
Powerful diagnostic technology, plus the realization that organisms of otherwise unimpressive virulence can produce slowly progressive chronic disease with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and disease outcomes, has resulted in the discovery of new infectious agents and new concepts of infectious diseases. The demonstration that final outcome of infection is as much determined by the genetic background of the patient as by the genetic makeup of the infecting agent is indicating that a number of chronic diseases of unknown etiology are caused by one or more infectious agents. One well-known example is the discovery that stomach ulcers are due to Helicobacter pylori. Mycoplasmas may cause chronic lung disease in newborns and chronic asthma in adults, and Chlamydia pneumoniae, a recently identified common cause of acute respiratory infection, has been associated with atherosclerosis. A number of infectious agents that cause or contribute to neoplastic diseases in humans have been documented in the past 6 years. The association and causal role of infectious agents in chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer have major implications for public health, treatment, and prevention.
Insights
New infectious agents cause chronic diseases, with patient genetics playing a key role. This discovery impacts public health, treatment, and prevention strategies for conditions like ulcers, lung disease, and cancer.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Advancements in diagnostic technology have led to the identification of novel infectious agents.
- Previously, many chronic diseases of unknown origin are now being linked to microbial infections.
- The patient's genetic background significantly influences infection outcomes, alongside the pathogen's genetic makeup.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the discovery of new infectious agents and evolving concepts in infectious diseases.
- To emphasize the role of infectious agents in chronic diseases with unknown etiologies.
- To discuss the implications of infectious agents in chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent discoveries in infectious disease research.
- Analysis of the interplay between host genetics and infectious agents.
- Case examples including Helicobacter pylori, Mycoplasmas, and Chlamydia pneumoniae.
Main Results:
- Identification of infectious agents causing chronic diseases with diverse clinical presentations.
- Demonstration of host genetic factors influencing disease progression and outcomes.
- Association of specific microbes with conditions such as stomach ulcers, chronic lung disease, asthma, atherosclerosis, and neoplastic diseases.
Conclusions:
- Infectious agents are implicated in a growing number of chronic diseases, including cancer.
- Understanding the host-pathogen genetic interaction is crucial for disease management.
- These findings have significant public health implications for prevention and treatment strategies.