title: Chlamydia pneumoniae and coronary artery disease: legitimized linkages?
abstract: Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cp) infection in early life may accelerate atherosclerosis over ensuing decades, leading to cardiovascular complications. Cp promotes endothelial dysfunction and may modulate inflammation underlying atherosclerosis. It represents a biologically plausible candidate for the causation of atherosclerosis. Other infections simultaneously occurring with Cp may result in a synergistic effect to promote atherosclerosis. Studies on the treatment of Cp with antibiotics indicates decreased rates of infection, modulation of inflammation and in some settings, fewer cardiovascular complications.
authors.affiliation: Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Cardiology Section, 4C108, VA Boston Healthcare System, 1400 VFW Parkway, Boston, MA 02132, USA. John.Higgins@med.va.gov
authors.forename: John P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Higgins
authors.forename: Johanna A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Higgins
authors.forename: Patricia M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Higgins
authors.forename: Samir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ahuja
authors.forename: Daniel L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Higgins
mesh_terms: D015984:Causality; D023521:Chlamydophila Infections / Q000150:complications*; D016993:Chlamydophila pneumoniae; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D012107:Research Design