Atherosclerosis: an infectious disease?
Traditional risk factors do not fully account for atherogenesis. There is increasing evidence that infectious pathogens, such as Helicobacter pylori, cytomegalovirus, and Chlamydia pneumoniae, may promote the atherosclerotic cascade. Proposed mechanisms include macrophage transformation, endothelial injury, chronic inflammation, and thrombosis. Specific antibiotic therapy may affect outcome.
Benitez
R M
RM
University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000821:virology*; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000150:complications; D016993:Chlamydophila pneumoniae; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000150:complications; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D018448:Models, Immunological