Potential infectious etiologies of atherosclerosis: a multifactorial perspective.
Coronary heart disease (CHD) contributes substantially to illness and death worldwide. Experimental studies demonstrate that infection can stimulate atherogenic processes. This review presents a spectrum of data regarding the link between CHD and infection. In addition, the need for improved diagnostic tools, the significance of multiple pathogens, and potential intervention strategies are discussed.
O'Connor
S
S
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. sbo5@cdc.gov
Taylor
C
C
Campbell
L A
LA
Epstein
S
S
Libby
P
P
D000818:Animals; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000821:virology; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000382:microbiology; D016993:Chlamydophila pneumoniae / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D011817:Rabbits