Chlamydia pneumoniae and cardiovascular disease.
Chlamydia pneumoniae has been detected in atherosclerotic plaques, while seropositivity to this organism confers a slightly increased risk of coronary events. However, no aetiological link has been established; a major difficulty when investigating this link is the lack of a gold standard for diagnosing chronic vessel infection. The outcomes of case-control studies and prospective trials of macrolides in treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease have been ambiguous but suggest a short-term preventive effect. Whether this is due to the antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory activity of the macrolides is unknown. Larger and longer prospective trials currently under way may provide better insight into the association of C. pneumoniae with cardiovascular disease. At present, there is no justification for treating cardiovascular disease with antibiotics.
Larsen
Mikkel M
MM
Research Unit Q, Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby Sygehus, Denmark. MLQ@sks.aaa.dk
Moern
Birgitte
B
Fuller
Andrew
A
Andersen
Paul L
PL
Ostergaard
Lars J
LJ
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D016993:Chlamydophila pneumoniae; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D018942:Macrolides; D051379:Mice; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011817:Rabbits; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D018942:Macrolides