title: [Atherosclerosis as an infectious disease].
abstract: According to several published studies micro-organisms may be involved in atherogenesis. An association is described between cytomegalovirus or Chlamydia pneumoniae and an increased risk of vascular events. The micro-organisms are able to infect endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells in vivo and in vitro, evoking to pathophysiological reactions of these cells which may lead to atherosclerosis, arterial thrombosis and plaque rupture. In two small secondary prevention trials, macrolide treatment proved successful in preventing second myocardial infarctions. At this moment, however, it is too early for treatment with antimicrobial agents to prevent vascular diseases in daily clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Academisch Ziekenhuis, afd. Inwendige Geneeskunde, Utrecht.
authors.forename: F L
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Visseren
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Erkelens
mesh_terms: D000210:Acute-Phase Reaction / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000209:etiology*; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D016993:Chlamydophila pneumoniae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000382:microbiology / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000378:metabolism; D018942:Macrolides; D008297:Male; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D018942:Macrolides