title: [Atherosclerosis and Chlamydia pneumoniae].
abstract: Chlamydia pneumoniae could be associated with the risk of developing atherosclerosis and an increased risk of thromboembolic complications. However, the evidence of an association seems to be declining and there is no evidence of causality. The effect of antibiotic treatment in cardiovascular disease has been explored in epidemiologic studies and in randomised controlled trials. Data suggest a protective but short-lasting effect of macrolide antibiotics on cardiovascular disease. The effect could be the result of anti-bacterial as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Ongoing larger and longer lasting treatment trials could provide better measures of the effects of antibiotic treatment, although they will not clarify the role of C. pneumoniae. Currently, there is no indication for treating cardiovascular disease with antibiotics.
authors.affiliation: Infektionsmedicinsk afdeling, Skejby Sygehus, Arhus Universitetshospital, DK-8200 Arhus N. mikkelml@ofir.dk
authors.forename: Mikkel M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Larsen
authors.forename: Birgitte
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mørn
authors.forename: Paul L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Andersen
authors.forename: Lars J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Østergaard
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D016993:Chlamydophila pneumoniae / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D018942:Macrolides; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D018942:Macrolides